A Day With A TV Producer

While I was in Los Angeles for Gallifrey One, I came across a book for sale in the dealers room. It’s not one I have seen before, though I’m sure some of my readers may have, or even own a copy themselves.

It’s called A Day With A TV Producer, and follows John Nathan Turner during the production of The Leisure Hive in 1980.

Reading between the lines its part of a series, written for young people to read about job choices as they grow up. Other books in the series are days with a Nurse, Footballer, Dancer, Airline Pilot, Policeman, Farmer, Vet and Racing Driver!

The book is written in a simplistic way, so is quite a patronising and shallow read. It does, however, show a lot of behind the scenes activity you don’t normally get to see, such as meetings with various production staff.

There’s a great selection of photos from the Brighton beach shoot at the opening of episode one.

This includes a photo of the publicity stills seen for the episode being shot!

A stand out for me are a couple of pages showing John Nathan Turner meeting with costume designer June Hudson.

In one of the shots you can see some of June’s costume designs being discussed.

There is also a rare photo of June Hudson on-set, adjusting a costume before a take.

Download a PDF of the book here:

A Day With A TV Producer

Lalla Ward’s Time Capsule

When I was at this weekend’s Doctor Who Cares 2 event in Slough, I came across a neat little book written by Fourth Doctor companion Romana, also known as Lalla Ward!

I have been aware of a lot of these types of auto-biographical books being written by various companion actors and actresses, and to be honest none really appeal to me, so I initially overlooked Lalla’s as I assumed (wrongly) that is was similar fair.

The book is essentially a collection of photographs and illustrations to which Lalla has written accompanying memories to sit alongside them.

These range from images from her first photocall as Romama; through a number of covers to the Target novels illustrated by Alister Pearson and Andrew Skilleter; but most of all a number of the costume designs by legendary designer June Hudson.



Published here are designs for Destiny Of The Daleks (the pink frock coat ensemble, but sans the coat); Creature From The Pit with a flowing white and pink chiffon dress; an interesting outline drawing of her costume from Horns Of Nimon.


Also in the book are both Roman’s and Mena’s costumes from The Leisure Hive; the red silk Chinese-inspired outfit from Warrior’s Gate; and finally an un-used costume for the same serial.



At 48 pages it’s not very thick, but if you are a fan of June Hudson’s costume designs its a real treat.

All proceeds of the book go to Danville Hall, a retirement home for actors run by Lalla and her husband, so it’s all in a good cause too!

You can order the book direct from the publishers, Fantom Publishing using the link below.

Lalla Ward - Time Capsule

The multi-talented June Hudson!

I was casually watching tv tonight and up came an ad break.
Only half paying attention, I saw a new commercial for Kellogg's Crunch Nut Chocolate Flakes.

My attention was suddenly piqued when halfway through an elderly shop keeper popped up played by none other than legendary Doctor Who costume designer June Hudson!