AfterElton.com gay mens reader’s hot 100 list vote John Barrowman as Number Two

We voted for John Barrowman as number one, but after “I’d’ do anything” I think we have seen enough of John for a while.

In the past twelve months, he has released an album, published an autobiography (co-written with his sister), starred in the second season of Torchwood, guest starred on three episodes of Doctor Who, one episode of Hotel Babylon, served as a judge on I’d Do Anything, appeared on Any Dream Will Do, and hosted the children’s program The Kids Are All Right. And those are just the highlights. Okay, some of the highlights.

Additionally, John and his partner, Scott Gill, gave gay fans everywhere an extra little thrill when they appeared together at last year’s London Pride. John actually pulled Scott up on to the stage, giving his hubby (the two entered into a civil partnership back in 2006) a kiss in front of a cheering crowd. An outspoken advocate for gay rights, John has been out professionally for years, and as his list of credits prove, his openness hasn’t held him back.

John moved from #10 on last year’s list all the way up to #2 where Jake Gyllenhaal edged him out in a photo finish. AfterElton.com asked John how he felt coming in second to the Brokeback Mountain star. With his usual cheekiness, John told us, “I’m thrilled with the results. Who wouldn’t want to come in behind Jake Gyllenhaal?”

Is it any wonder gay men love him so much?

Sci-Fi Pulse reports today that two of the biggest genre shows on TV - the latest BBC incarnation of Doctor Who and the even superior spin-off Torchwood - will undergo some major changes soon. They report that Torchwood, one of the best shows on TV and one of the biggest hits in its genre, will undergo the biggest facelift, losing Burn Gorman (Owen Harper), Naoko Mori (Toshiko), and John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness). How Torchwood could continue without Captain Harkness is a mystery to us. He’s one of the most engaging actors and characters on TV and the center of the show. Sci-Fi Pulse says that they think Barrowman may come back every now and then in a recurring capacity. Pulse says that, as of season three, Freema Agyeman will join the show as Martha Jones and take over running Torchwood with the returning Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper.

They also note, in more news that baffles us, that the format of Torchwood is going to change. The show has worked successfully as a sci-fi show for adults with sexual references and dark humor. Sci-Fi Pulse reports that will change and that Torchwood will be driven more to kids. Ugh. They also report that the recently commissioned third season has only been set for five episodes instead of the usual thirteen. What?! Torchwood is performing better in the States than Doctor Who. Why are they screwing with it? The story does note that these are all rumors. Scary, stupid rumors.

On the Doctor Who tip, Catherine Tate is leaving the show after one season but that was planned from the start. Sci-Fi Pulse also noted that Captain Jack, Sarah Jane Smith, Martha Jones and Rose Tyler will all appear in the season four finale. The source also says that David Tennant will leave the series after the fourth season and will regenerate during the last few minutes of the 2009 Christmas Special. They note that four Doctor Who specials have been filming and the first, the 2008 Christmas Special, will be followed by two specials later in the year and end with the 2009 Christmas Special, which is in its final six weeks of production now. Tennant’s run as the good doctor will officially be over and the rumor is that Robert Carlyle of Trainspotting and Full Monty fame may take over.

Feb 17 2008 By Steve Hendry

Freema Agyeman was in last nights Torchwood as Martha Jones. However Agyeman is being replaced in Doctor Who by Catherine Tate. Agyeman insists she is not bovvered about being replaced in the Tardis by Catherine Tate. Its all getting confusing for us Aussies who have missed half of Doctor Who (but are obsessed with John Barrowman in Torchwood)

The stunning 28-year-old borrowed her successor’s comic catchphrase as she joked about losing her role as the Timelord’s assistant.

Freema was plucked from obscurity to play Martha Jones alongside Scots star David Tennant but has been written out after just one series.

She will now appear in the spin-off show Torchwood - and insists the move is not just to make room for funny girl Tate.

Freema said: “I’ve got all the time in the world for Catherine and wasn’t ‘bovvered’

“I was always aware Martha was going into Torchwood. It was a character decision and one I was in total agreement with.

“I knew what was happening in January last year.

“I was surprised when it was portrayed as scandalous and negative but we made a group decision that it wasn’t worth answering, so we ignored them.

“At the end of the last series, Martha and the Doctor saved the world and she told him she loved him - but he didn’t love her. There’s no way she could just step back on to the Tardis and pretend that hadn’t happened.

“I was more than happy I was going into Torchwood. I feel part of the Doctor Who family and get to broaden and expand the character. It was really exciting.”

Freema was working in DVD rental store Blockbuster when she won the coveted role of Martha.

She had appeared in minor roles on shows such as The Bill, Silent Witness and the revamped Crossroads but the sci-fi series was her big break.

It was a high-pressure task as she was filling the shoes of fans’ favourite Billie Piper, who played Rose Tyler.

Freema said: “I never for a second thought I was going to be working on Doctor Who and make history by being the first black assistant.

“Before the role came up I was looking at a Plan B.

“I was thinking, ‘If this doesn’t go where I want it to, where am I going to be in 20 or 30 years?’

“Then it all became so big, so quickly.

I’m glad it happened when it did.

“If it happened at an earlier point in my life, I think it would have been over-whelming. Things like the stories I was being axed would have been harder to deal with. But I’ve worked through it and managed to handle it.”

In Torchwood, Martha is called in by Captain Jack Harness - played by Scots born star John Barrowman - to help investigate mysterious deaths at a sinister medical centre.

Freema said: “I had an absolute ball on Torchwood.

“There’s so many of us and you get more time to socialise, which equals a very supportive and tight bunch.

“They welcomed me into the fold immediately.”

Freema is also close to her co-star Tennant, who helped her get the role by making her relax at her screen test.

It is rumoured Tennant will take a break from the Tardis to pursue other roles at the end of the current series.

Freema refuses to reveal what the Doctor’s fate will be but did admit she, Tate, Piper and Elisabeth Sladen - the Doctor’s assistant Sarah Jane Smith in 1973 - will feature in the finale of the forthcoming series.

She said: “I quickly learned that ignorance is bliss on Doctor Who.

“I’ve become quite good at keeping secrets. I never ask more than I need to know so I have plausible deniability. I do know we are all going to be together but I don’t know how.

“I have the episode script but I haven’t read it yet so I don’t know how it all falls into place, thank God.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the climax because it is going to be huge.

“But I hope Martha goes on. I feel like I haven’t completely exhausted her yet and life after Doctor Who is quite a scary prospect so I’m not looking beyond it right now. I’m happy where I am.”

Whatever happens, Freema can rely on the support of her family.

Landing the role of Martha is the source of much pride to them and she admits they are her biggest fans.

Freema grew up in a tough housing estate in Hackney, London, with her younger brother Domenic and older sister Leila.

Her Iranian mum, Azar, is divorced from her Ghanian dad Osei but her family remain close-knit and she is grateful for their support over the years.

She said: “My mum and dad are absolutely beside themselves.

“If ever for a split second I get complacent and think it’s just another job, they start waving Doctor Who dolls in my face.

“It’s their level of excitement which keeps it in perspective for me.”

Torchwood is on BBC2 at 9pm on Wednesday. Doctor Who returns to BBC1 in the spring.

I loved him but he didn’t love me.. I couldn’t just go back in the Tardis Freema Agyeman

John says: “James Marsters plays Captain John in the show. The first day we were on set together, we had to do the kiss and he said I made him feel very comfortable. Then he said: ‘My girlfriend’s getting really turned on by this! Feel free to do it as many times as you want!’ Who could ask for more?”

John – who married his long-term partner in a civil ceremony in 2006 – also claims he has been romantically propositioned by a host of famous men, but has never taken things further.

He adds: “I have never had a relationship with a famous person. I’ve been propositioned by famous people but I’ve always said no. They wanted me for other reasons and I wasn’t prepared to be a trophy.”

John Barrowman (Scottish-American actor ) tied the knot with Scott Gill, his partner of 16 years, in a civil partnership ceremony yesterday St David’s Hotel and Spa in Cardiff Bay, Wales. Approximately forty friends and family witnessed the event, according to reports.

Barrowman stars as Captain Jack Harkness in the BBC Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood.

There was no comment from the couple, but Barrowman has commented previously on his intention to have his relationship legally recognized: “Our relationship was legitimate for us a long time ago. We have been spending most of our time together. The ceremony is because we have the right to be recognised as a couple. It forces people who don’t want to recognise same-sex relationships as legitimate, it forces them to do so.”

Barrowman wore a kilt to the ceremony in honor of his Scottish roots. Although raised in Joliet, Illinois, he was born in Glasgow.

Best wishes to the happy couple.

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