Author Archives: Fraser McAlpine

Fraser McAlpine

Fraser has been writing and broadcasting about music and popular culture for over 13 years, first at the Top of the Pops website, and most recently for the NME. He also wrote BBC Radio 1's Chart Blog and reviews albums for BBC Music. He is Anglophenia's current resident Brit, blogging about British slang and running around the Mall taking snaps of the crowd at the Royal Wedding, as well as reigniting a childhood passion for classic Doctor Who and cramming as much music in as he can manage. Fraser invites you to join him on Twitter: @csi_popmusic

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Posts by Fraser McAlpine

Has An Archive Of Lost ‘Doctor Who’ Episodes Been Found?

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on June 17th, 2013

Note: we’re not in an official position to confirm whether any of the information contained within this story is true or just wishful thinking. Frankly, we want it to be real as much as you do.

Adele, ‘Blackadder’ and PJ Harvey Honoured By The Queen

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on June 17th, 2013

Blackadder Goes Forth (l - r: Tim McInerney, Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie)

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List was published on Friday, and among the 1,800 or so names, honours have been given to more than a few familiar names to Anglophenia readers.

The Greatest Dads Of ‘Doctor Who’

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on June 14th, 2013

Brian Willams, father of Rory, grandfather of Melody Pond.

This Sunday, families all over the world pay homage (in the form of last-minute cards) to menfolk. It’s Father’s Day, which means the chance of a family gathering, possibly involving a nice meal, and for the dads, the chance ...

DON’T WATCH: British Man Films Himself Hanging One-Handed From A Crane

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on June 14th, 2013

James Kingston up a crane in Southampton, recently.

OK, if you’re going to come along with us on this particular viral ride, can I ask you to schedule your viewing so that it does not occur during an immediate post-mealtime moment in your day? And in fact, if you’re at all ...

Eddie Redmayne Set To Play Stephen Hawking

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on June 13th, 2013

Eddie Redmayne (Rex Features via AP Images)

Some showbiz stories could have been written specifically for Anglophenia, from the collective dreams of the Anglophenia team, in order to deliver Anglophenians (Anglofania?) a kind of thespian thrill ride. This is one of those stories.

WATCH: A Delightful Trailer For ‘Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa’

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on June 13th, 2013

Steve Coogan in 'Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa'

We take our Steve Coogan fan worship fairly seriously, especially when he’s donning the robes of his most delightful creation, pompous local radio DJ and failing celebrity Alan Partridge.

Five Recipes From Victorian England

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on June 12th, 2013

I don’t know how you’re planning to celebrate the return of Copper to BBCAMERICA, on Sunday June 23 (10pm/9c), but I’m thinking of having an all-day Victorian pig-out. Who’s with me?

Mumford And Sons Reschedule U.S. Dates After Bassist Requires Surgery

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on June 12th, 2013

There’s been something of a life-and-death drama in the Mumford and Sons camp, which put their current American tour in jeopardy, not to mention the health and well-being of their bass player, Ted Dwane.

WATCH: New ‘Hobbit’ Trailer – ‘The Desolation of Smaug’

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on June 12th, 2013

Bilbo spies something unpleasant in 'The Desolation of Smaug'

NOW we’re getting somewhere!

Critics of the last Hobbit movie were quick to point out that the film seemed to take longer to get started than it would take to read the entire novel, backwards, while blindfolded and hung upside-down, using a tissue paper rope, over ...

‘Doctor Who’s Day Roundup: Who’s ‘Who’? Who Isn’t!

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on June 11th, 2013

The stretch of time between the announcement of a retiring Doctor Who actor and that of their replacement is a fevered one indeed. Every possible human entertainer with a face is examined by fans as a potential new Time Lord, then ...