It's ten years since David Tennant's first series of Doctor Who was first broadcast in the UK. To celebrate we take a look back in time...


The Age Of Steel
First Broadcast on 20th May 2006. Running Time: 45 Minutes. Viewing Figures: 7.63 million.
Written By Tom MacRae.
Directed By Graeme Harper.
Executive Producers Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner.






Synopsis:
The Cybermen take control of London and start converting the populace. While Jackie falls under Lumic's control, the Doctor, Rose and Mickey are reduced to fugitives in a world of terror.



Production Notes:
Andrew Hayden-Smith who plays Jake in the episode revealed during an interview that his character and Ricky (Alternative Mickey) were in a relationship. This is confirmed in a deleted scene which is included in the Series 2 DVD box set.
Footage from the Ninth Doctor story 'Rose' was reused as part of the scene of the destruction of the Battersea Cyber Conversion Factory.


Quotes:
  • Mickey Smith: You're just making it up as you go along! 
  • The Doctor: Yup. But I do it brilliantly. 
  • Mickey Smith: Let's go and liberate Paris. 
  • Jake Simmonds: What, you and me? In a van? 
  • Mickey Smith: Nothing wrong with a van. I once saved the universe with a big yellow truck. 
  • The Doctor: And where is Mr. Lumic? Don't we get to meet our lord and master? 
  • Cyber-Leader: He has been upgraded. 
  • The Doctor: So he's like you. 
  • Cyber-Leader: He is superior. The Lumic unit has been designated Cyber Controller.
  • Cyber Controller: This is the age of steel; and I am its creator. 

Facts:
  • Jackie is the first woman to be seen converted into a Cyberman in the television series. Female Cybermen don't appear to be physically any different to their male counterparts, and aren't referred to as Cyberwomen. Until Torchwood, that is.  
  • A Cybercontroller, recognisable by its larger than normal cranium, also featured in the stories The Tomb Of The Cybermen (1967) and Attack Of The Cybermen (1985). 
  • The Doctor suggests attacking the Cybus factory in Battersea Power station at three points: "Above, between, below." This is a reference to the ancient Gallifreyan nursery rhyme (citing three possible entrances to the Tomb of Rassilon) quoted by the Second Doctor in The Five Doctors (1983).
  •  A scene deleted from the final cut of the episode but offered as an extra in the Series Two box set revealed that Ricky and Jake were in a relationship.

Cast:
  • David Tennant - The Doctor
  • Billie Piper - Rose Tyler
  • Noel Clarke - Mickey Smith / Ricky 
  • Camille Coduri - Jackie Tyler
  • Shaun Dingwall – Pete Tyler
  • Roger Lloyd Pack – John Lumic
  • Andrew Hayden-Smith – Jake Simmonds
  • Colin Spaull – Mr Crane
  • Helen Griffin – Mrs Moore
  • Duncan Duff - Newsreader
  • Paul Kasey – Cyber-Leader
  • Nicholas Briggs – Cybermen (Voice)

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