X Factor v Doctor Who scheduling clash

[Vampyros Adric]

Oh dear! I have seen unconfirmed rumours flying around Twitter that the season finale is being scheduled directly opposite X Factor. This might have serious implications for the Overnights and yet more grist to the mill for those who wish to see a decline in Doctor Who. The time shifted figures should still save it from a proper hammering, but still doesn't bode well - especially as the 2012 season is set to run in the autumn period and if they start putting it against X Factor regularly we could see real problems

[poprockgeek]

The finale is on at 7.05pm which is pretty much where it's been for the whole of this run (give or take 5-10 mins). So if DW hasn't moved X Factor must have done (I don't watch X Factor so I have no idea what time it is normally on - so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong & it's always on at this time) - makes me wonder if ITV are worried about the Doctor Who/Merlin double bill.

[Nyki]

This means the X Factor won't clash with that fascinating programme about paint drying, which is why I usually miss it.

[Vampyros Adric]

It might only be my perception (and I am happy to be corrected) it seems to me like there has been a dearth of publicity and build up for this finale. As I write this on the Saturday morning, the BBC Website isn't featuring the show, I haven't seen many trailers for the show (though admittedly I don't watch a lot of BBC1). There use to be adverts on BBC Radio for Doctor Who and these have dried up.

Like I say, this might be my perception but it just strikes me as perhaps the BBC has given up on Doctor Who, accepting the bullying from the tabloids that the show is "too complex" and instead of looking at the very healthy time shifted figures, they are relying on the outdated overnights which show the show getting beaten by Family Fortunes.

And then, in the same week, we get news that Doctor Who Confidential has been cancelled. Now, I don't particularly mourn the show.. But perhaps the new brooms at the BBC have fallen out of love with the show - particularly as there is no longer a Julie Gardener to expertly navigate the corridors of power.

I must confess to being more than a little fearful for the future of the show.

[poprockgeek]

I have seen an ad every time I've watched something on the BBC. And there is a radio advert doing the rounds because I've seen a link for it on Twitter. If I can find it I'll post it 

[Vampyros Adric]

That reassures me I'm not a big BBC watcher so I am heartened to hear they are plugging away - also the BBC Homepage now has a feature on it.

I think fear of cancellation is part of the DNA of Doctor Who fans

[hannahcole93]

I hardly watch TV  but all the time I have turned the TV on there has ALWAYS been a trailer for Who, so it isn't bad, plus there were loads of tweets going around through the week about it... Besides.... X-Factor , in my opinion is just pure torture! 

[Saber]

I have to admit I didn't see a single ad for it on TV in the run up, though I did see a couple of mentions in newspapers and magazines.