London Calling!

Now I don’t normally write about the day to day filming of Doctor Who - I prefer to keep things as spoiler free on my blog as possible - but this week saw a day’s work in the capital for the travelling Time Lord and his new companion.

This is a first for the Matt Smith era. Since Steven Moffat took over everything has been shot down in Cardiff or the surrounding area, unlike during Russell T Davies time in charge, when trips to London for Rose Tyler’s housing estate, or to use The Globe Theatre were a regular highlight of a season.

In fact the recent series seven episode The Power Of Three - correct me if I’m wrong - was the first story to have scenes set in London, though a Welsh castle stood in for the Tower Of London.

But finally, after two and a half series - the TARDIS has landed!

Look away now if you don’t want to see what's been going on.

It would appear three main locations were used.

QUEENS WALK
This is a pedestrian area on the edge of the Thames, between Blackfriars and Waterloo bridges.

It’s is where the TARDIS touched down.

Wearing the new purple coloured frock coat, he was seen exiting his time machine on a vintage motorbike with Clara clinging on to the back of the bike, with appropriate helmets to match.

Another scene appeared to be shot, with The Doctor presenting a passing child with a fez.

WESTMINSTER and WATERLOO BRIDGES

The bike was then pinioned to a camera car, and the pair were seen riding around Westminster, crossing Westminster bridge - previously seen in the 1964 William Hartnell Story Dalek Invasion Of Earth as well as the first New Series episode, Rose.

Some passengers on a passing London bus probably couldn’t believe their eyes!

Some further filming took place over Waterloo Bridge - this time with Matt riding solo, and looking like he was on a mission!

ST THOMAS STREET, LONDON BRIDGE

This could be the destination the pair intended to visit - a children's hospital around the back of London Bridge, not far from the newly erected Shard, which has been gaining a lot of public interest lately.

A vast number of public were around during this, snapping away on their mobile phones.

During all this, The Doctors new attire was on show.
It looks like the purple frock coat is around for a bit more than one episode.
He is also wearing yet another new bow tie. At this rate we'll be able to do a full tie index, like on my Tennant Suit blog!

He is wearing a new shirt, this time it has French cuffs and cufflinks.

The new boots are also worn with the new frock coat, colour co-ordinated to match.

The only thing that seems to have been carried over from the Pond era are the G-Star RAW black jeans.

The filming garnered a number of press reports.
Here is a selection.

Daily Express
Matt Smith falls off motorbike as
Doctor Who stunt goes wrong

Uinterview
Matt Smith Takes A Ride As Dr. Who

The Daily Mail
Matt Smith shatters illusion as he rides though the open TARDIS doors

SFX
Doctor Who Series 7: New On-Set Pics

The Metro
Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman film new Doctor Who scenes

Huffington Post
Matt Smith, Jenna-Louise Coleman have a spill as they film scenes in central London

Entertainmetwise
Matt Smith And Jenna-Louise Coleman get to work on the Doctor Who set

Glamour Magazine
Matt Smith Jenna-Louise Coleman
filming Doctor Who

Holy Moly!
Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman filming Doctor Who on a motorbike