Full story details are today revealed for the first adventures of the Doctor’s disavowed alter ego, played by Big Finish newcomer Jonathon Carley. 

This first volume of full-cast audio dramas, due for release in June 2021, features an outstanding ensemble of supporting actors, including Veronica Roberts (as Ohila, High Priestess of the Sisterhood of Karn), Adèle Anderson (as Time Lord military strategist, Commodore Tamasan), Kit Young (as Time Lord Captain, Trestor), Chis Jarman (as Rasmus) and John Dorney (as Biroc, a lion-like Tharil ally of the Doctor).  

Doctor Who: The War Doctor Begins – Forged in Fire is now available to pre-order at £19.99 as a collector’s edition CD box set or £16.99 as a download HERE!

The Doctor is no more. In his place, a warrior, finally joining the Time War between the Daleks and the Time Lords.  

But how far will he go to end this conflict? What lines will he cross? How much of himself will he sacrifice?  

The War Doctor is only just beginning to find out who he is… 

This trio of tales are as follows: 

Light the Flame by Matt Fitton 

The Sisterhood of Karn have a guest, recovering from his traumatic regeneration. To do what is asked of him, the Doctor has rejected his name and his code.  

The Time Lords have plans for him and for Karn. Is he ready to light the flame of war? 

Lion Hearts by Lou Morgan 

Seeking out Gallifrey’s new warrior, Commodore Tamasan finds that the War Doctor has invited himself on a secret mission. The time-sensitive Tharils are in danger, and an old friend of the Doctor is trapped. But Biroc knows better than to trust either side in this war. 

The Shadow Squad by Andrew Smith 

Tamasan is unconvinced of the War Doctor’s loyalties, though when their paths collide, both agree that the destruction of the Dalek Time Strategist could be the best route to victory. But on Atherea, the Daleks may have found a way to annihilate all plans to defeat them before they are even begun… 

Writer and script editor Matt Fitton said: “Picking up after Night of the Doctor, this is our first glimpse of our hero transformed into something he thought he would never become: a warrior. These tales of the War Doctor's first actions – testing his boundaries, still trying to protect the innocent, and taking the fight to the Daleks – are the first steps into a new era. It's a thrilling and fascinating journey as the War Doctor begins to discover who he really is...”  

Script Editor Robert Valentine added: “This is the opening chapter of the War Doctor's story. You may think you know him from the man he becomes, but you're about to find out he wasn't always so mellow.” 

Doctor Who: The War Doctor Begins – Forged in Fire is available to preorder at the special price of £19.99 as a collector’s edition CD box set or £16.99 as a download HERE

Big Finish listeners can save money by pre-ordering the complete The War Doctor Begins series in a bundle (of all four volumes) from £76 on CD or £66 on digital download.  

Please note that Big Finish is currently operating a digital-first release schedule. The mail-out of collector’s edition CDs may be delayed due to factors beyond our control, but all purchases of this release unlock a digital copy that can be immediately downloaded or played on the Big Finish app from the release date.