June 16th, 2025
50 comments
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The Fourteenth Doctor and the Meep Vortex Edition Figure Set
Available to order from www.character-online.com
Character Options’ latest Exclusive Vortex Set revealed!
The second Doctor Who exclusive figure set of 2025 has been confirmed by Character Options and BBC Studios as a ‘Vortex Edition’ of the Fourteenth Doctor and the Meep. The set will go on sale today, Monday 16th June 2025, solely through www.character-online.com.
This exclusive set is a celebration of the 60th anniversary episode “The Star Beast” and includes the Fourteenth Doctor (as played by David Tennant) figure without his jacket, as well as the sonic screwdriver accessory. In addition, fans will find a stunning Meep figure. As part of the new range of Vortex Edition sets, the figures feature a higher specification decoration applied over base colour plastics for extra detail.
About the Set
This set comprises of two figures. The Fourteenth Doctor is presented without his signature long jacket, but in shirt sleeves and waistcoat. The head which has been recast from the previous release, is decorated in the new ‘Vortex’ Style and in addition, the figure comes with the Sonic Screwdriver accessory.
The second figure is the nefarious Meep. This figure is a first for the Vortex Range with two interchangeable heads, one the ‘placid’ Meep expression and the other the evil maniacal Meep expression. It also has three sets of interchangeable hands: the first set echoes the meek ‘under the chin’ pose; the second is an ‘open handed’ pose; and third one incorporates the Meep’s blaster. It also has waist articulation and ball jointed poseable arms and elbows with internal pins.
Al Dewar Character Options Creative Director added ‘It’s always good to do something new with the range and I think this set is going to genuinely blow folks socks off. We’ve not done a figure with so many accessories and interchangeable parts, but The Meep is the perfect test bed being such a split character behaviour wise.’
About the episode – The Star Beast (2023)
The Fourteenth Doctor lands the TARDIS in London where he encounters his former companion Donna Noble, her daughter Rose and husband Shaun just as a spaceship thunders overhead and crashes nearby. The Doctor makes his way to the site and finds UNIT are on the scene.
The UNIT soldiers’ minds are ‘taken over’ by an unknown entity. Meanwhile Rose encounters a small and seemingly innocent creature called The Meep, who claims to be on the run from ‘Monsters!’ Rose hides the Meep it in her shed, but the Doctor arrives and finds out it is being hunted by Wrarth Warriors.
The Wrarth track The Meep to Donna’s house and attack but are intercepted by the mind-controlled UNIT troops. The Doctor takes the Meep and Donna’s family to safety but notices the Wrarth are not killing anyone. To find out the truth he holds an impromptu trial and it’s soon revealed that the Meep is a vicious tyrant responsible for the deaths of millions of people. The Meep pulls a blaster and guns down the two Wrarth Warriors in cold blood.
The Meep plans to escape Earth, but its spaceship’s dagger drive system will obliterate London in the process. To stop The Meep, The Doctor is forced to unlock Donna’s memories, so she can help him shut the ships drive down. As The Meep is recaptured by the Wrarth, it gives a cryptic warning to the Doctor…
Categorised under: Doctor Who 5" scale figures, Toys
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Snowman
June 16th, 2025 - 1:30pmI liked this Episode Quite abit. It’s the Whole Don’t Judge a book by its Cover Story. Which of course as been done many Times in Media and Literature over the Years. But it was done well and the Twist Surprised me at the time.
David Minter
June 16th, 2025 - 1:29pmI’ve got to admit that I’m impressed! I never thought I’d see an entirely new mold from Character Options ever again. I’m a bit surprised, too, actually. 🙂 And it’s a fantastic interpretation of the Meep.
Snowman
June 16th, 2025 - 1:56pmI know what you mean David, what with all the cost Cutting and the B&M Sets which have been just repacks (some with Minor Tweeks or New Heads)
But to be Fair to Character, There has been Quite abit of New Tooling over the last few years, even up to this Year, Including the 2nd Doctor in Fur Coat, Fugitive Doctor, 5th Doctor Silurians, 14th Doctor, 15th Doctor, Ruby Sunday Etc.
Snowman
June 16th, 2025 - 1:59pmMovellan 3 Pack aswell. Couldn’t remember there names so I just looked it up.
Clay
June 16th, 2025 - 12:51pmHard to be sure from these images, but it looks like those are swivel-hinge shoulders on the Doctor – nice to see after the disappointing articulation on the VE Third Doctor.
Vladnag
June 16th, 2025 - 1:08pmLooks like it, the little cut out on the shoulder is clearer on the unpacked photos! They’ve gone back to using pins through the elbow joints which is a little disappointing after the amazing 15th Doctor figure, but that’s a minor nitpick
ste
June 16th, 2025 - 1:11pmthat third doctor body was the same as its always been, but given they made a new head for that figure i guess they didnt wanna re-do the body too
FH
June 16th, 2025 - 1:17pmIt’s curious that they aren’t showing shoulder articulation in any of the promo shots? It looks like they’re articulated, yet I’d have thought they’d want to show that if it is?
@ste They didn’t redo the head for that set, they already had the new head made years ago and had it laying around for B&M. So essentially they didn’t specifically make anything new for that set, which is unfortunate as the third doctor deserves better.
Nath
June 16th, 2025 - 12:44pmI think what the recast head means it will be cast in the same plastic as the 3rd head and hands were so hopefully get more detail on this head sculpt
Matt Y
June 16th, 2025 - 12:27pmThat’s more like it! Brilliant! was dreading that the whole of the range was going to be a Doctor/Sonic range. This is great. A Doctor variant and an original new released before figure. Very happy to pay £45 for that. Instant purchase! Shame CO didn’t do this with the Third Doctor and put in an original non army building figure such as Ice Lord, Alpha Centuri, Aggedor (I know I am bit Peldon-centric here). I hope the next three releases will be as exciting as this – Seventh Doctor Duffle coat with Ancient Haemovore? Fifth Doctor with Omega? Sixth Doctor with The Board? (I know Timelash isn’t the greatest story but The Board was brilliantly realised).
Paddy Troughton
June 16th, 2025 - 12:42pmMy thoughts exactly don’t normally collect new series but had to get the meep hopefully this is a massive success and we can get new figures. Is it just doctor and ??? specfic template for these sets? Would love like a Zoe and Wheel Cyberman
The Outcast
June 16th, 2025 - 1:34pmThe Vortex figures seem to be a Doctor and another thing, yeah.
FH
June 16th, 2025 - 2:25pmI think it’s a mistake to apply these unwarranted limitations on the line lol.
“The Vortex figures seem to be a Doctor and another thing, yeah.” – And until today it seemed to be a Doctor and a Sonic thing. And next release they may well do something completely different. Unless it’s specified or suggested by Character Options, it’s pointless to apply arbitrary restrictions to such things, it bewilders me that people make assumptions like this.
FH
June 16th, 2025 - 12:26pmI’ve been wanting a coatless 14th Doctor for a loooooong time, but I can’t deny, I’m disappointed with how it looks for some reason. Not the improvement to the head I was hoping for. Where’s the stubble? I don’t care too much about that tbf, but just brave of them to release it looking pretty much the same as the last release, judging by the pictures anyway. Almost like they stubbornly refused to believe the criticism with the head, simply made excuses about the paint (which has never been an issue previously) and never learnt from their mistakes as a result… Couldn’t give a toss about the meep and these two things combined, I think I’ll pass for now. Maybe I’ll get it a bit later if I’m more impressed after seeing a video of it.
ste
June 16th, 2025 - 1:15pmyou basically have this figure if you take the coat off the other one even the waist coat is detailed, the quality of the materials is slowly decreasing too which is a shame because the price is increasing
FH
June 16th, 2025 - 1:19pmI think I realised what it is, it’s the sleeves. Now, I like sleeves being fully down personally, but whenever you saw the 14th Doctor without his jacket he always had his sleeves rolled up. That’s what’s throwing me off, it just looks odd.
FH
June 16th, 2025 - 2:26pmI think I’d consider getting one of those cheap 10th doctors (that was originally Eleventh Hour Matt Smith) and swapping the bottom part of the arms around and painting it white.
FH
June 16th, 2025 - 12:20pm‘The head which has been recast from the previous release’ is it me or is that an odd thing to specify?
Snowman
June 16th, 2025 - 1:08pmNo it’s not Odd.
Has Someone just Mentioned above, I think it means using a different Material (different Plastic) like the 3rd Doctors head that they were banging on about before, that although it’s the same Tooling this should show more Detail. (Probably just Flesh Colored Plastic that doesn’t have to be Painted. As that usually Covers alot of the Detail).
Although the Photo does look like the Head is painted.
See what People say what its like in hand before deciding.
Robert Watkins
June 16th, 2025 - 12:15pmHow about the fourth doctor from DWM comic book and meep in the future
bryan
June 16th, 2025 - 12:10pmI did not expect this.what a fantastic set. The meep alone would be fantastic but a bonus 14th Dr is very welcome.
Oh I adore the Meep variations ,very clever of CO. Can’t have been easy to make as hard Hair/fur is difficult at the best of times.
Can’t wait to see what plans there are for the next 3 in the series. Styre with half shell spaceship (with door) and Robot . Running away with myself now.
The ergon
June 16th, 2025 - 12:02pmWell at least its something new to add to another variant Tennant figure rather than just a previously released prop. I just hope they keep the surprses coming from now on with each of all the doctors and subsequant releases.
The ergon
June 16th, 2025 - 2:11pmI hope there is a new donna figure in the works.
Daniel p
June 16th, 2025 - 11:50amThis is so amazing and fantastic I always wanted a meep figure it looks so good can’t wait to display it and 14th doctor definitely
Coleman
June 16th, 2025 - 11:42amThis Is fantastic, Absolutely Love it. Some more New Tooling is always Good. The Alternate Head and Hands for the Meep is a Really Nice Touch aswell.
The Living Shadow
June 16th, 2025 - 11:35amLooks good! I missed out on the last 14th Doctor so I’ll be glad to get him even if he leaves a little to be desired… he could’ve done with some stubble and maybe a less bored-looking expression haha. Also if I remember correctly his sleeves were rolled up to his elbow right? Bit of a nitpick, but for £45 (or £22.50 for him and £22.50 for The Meep) I think we can say hmmm c’mon Character..
The Meep looks incredible though, like Black Series quality, and with all the accessories it definitely looks like it could be a standard, albeit small, £20-£25 figure. I’ve paid that for R2D2, Ewok’s and Jawa’s before so I’m excited for The Meep!
Tim Lord Victorious
June 16th, 2025 - 11:06amThis looks brilliant! I’m so glad that it’s an online exclusive so I don’t have to shlep round all the B&Ms dodging Scalpers
Radburn
June 16th, 2025 - 11:06amBooboo was this one of the five releases they were talking about?
booboo
June 16th, 2025 - 11:14amyes
Troughton’s Trousers
June 16th, 2025 - 11:05amLooks great! Just ordered mine.
Jamie
June 16th, 2025 - 10:58amThis is brilliant! I was just day dreaming about this exact set a few days ago and now its real!
Vladnag
June 16th, 2025 - 10:53amGod damn this is an amazing set! SO excited to have a new monster figure, just hope the 14th Doctor head looks better on this release than the last one.
I’ll admit I wasn’t looking forward to the future of the Vortex line after the Third Doctor release, I was a little disappointed having to buy a Sonic just to get a new head, but if money saved on the previous release means more new sculpting for this release i’m happy!
Fingers crossed we get the prototype Wrarth Warrior released, lately Doctor Who has lacked interesting/iconic monster designs i’d want a toy of, so to get one based on retro comic art is amazing
Haza14
June 16th, 2025 - 10:58amThe fact they’ve included The Meep here makes including the sonic with the 3rd Doctor (rather than rereleasing a 3rd Doctor monster) even more baffling!
I’d love to see the Wrarth Warrior at some point too.
DalekAgent
June 16th, 2025 - 10:49amHow quick do we think this will sell out because i wont be able to buy it for another few weeks?
Vladnag
June 16th, 2025 - 10:57amIt’ll take a while, the third Doctor is still available after releasing at the beginning of March.
Character seem to make quite a few of their exclusives so everyone has a chance to grab one, I wouldn’t worry about missing out!
DalekAgent
June 16th, 2025 - 12:04pmOh yeah your right i didnt even notice the third doctor is still available so yeah i guess i should be okay
Jordan
June 16th, 2025 - 10:44amIm not paying £45.00 for the set. Its ridiculous amount of money. Id be happier to pay £20 from forbidden planet or B&M .
Alex
June 16th, 2025 - 10:54amYou might be happier with that, but it’s never going to happen, and certainly not at that price point with an entirely new tooled figure., That’s wildly unrealistic.
The Outcast
June 16th, 2025 - 1:38pmYou’d never have got this for 20 at B&M. A standard figure costs atleast 20 quid nowadays, and here you’ve got two. And the quantity is more limited because Doctor Who is a very niche brand. All that considered, it’s not a bad price.
Haza14
June 16th, 2025 - 10:39amA great set. The Meep is a great character to have the alternative heads, and I appreciate the hands too. I’ll get this one, as I’m interested in both items (unlike the 3rd Doctor set) but I still think the price is steep, for what amounts to one completely new tooled figure, and an adjusted rerelease. Still, ignore the price, and this set is actually hugely exciting.
Steven Taylor
June 16th, 2025 - 10:38amI think i’ll pass, couldn’t care less about the Meep and not really bothered about a coatless 14, the only thing I want is the sonic screwdriver but i’m not paying £44.99 just for that
Douglas.
June 16th, 2025 - 10:33amInteresting….!
To be honest, i don’t care about the Meep……wouldn’t have bought that figure on its own….
But the 14th Doctor looks really great……
Radburn
June 16th, 2025 - 10:22amWell, if I can’t have a Meep Plushie this will have to do…
Jamie
June 16th, 2025 - 10:18amWhilst I’m really excited for another Vortex Edition, and the Meep looks fab, I feel like having another 14 is a waste. I’d much have rathered a new Donna or even Wrarth Warrior.
Haza14
June 16th, 2025 - 10:41amAgreed. This would have justified that price tag for me.
Loobop
June 16th, 2025 - 10:15amWell it had to happen some time didn’t it lol,I’ve ordered him even though currently my dr who figure shelves are currently trashed due to having to move or knock down most of the figures on them as where having a new combi boiler fitted in our loft and the old one is being taken out of my bedroom cupboard tomorrow which is right next to my figure shelves and i didn’t want them to get knocked off and broken.I’ll end up re dusting them again i just know it sigh.
David
June 16th, 2025 - 10:09amOrdered, money has come out of my account, but got no email to confirm the order, I took a screenshot of my order number.
Coleman
June 16th, 2025 - 12:29pmI Got an Email straight away David. Not sure if you should though.
Doctorbendisco
June 16th, 2025 - 9:53amJust ordered mine we finally get a sonic for the 14th doctor and the meep
Loobop
June 16th, 2025 - 10:16ami didn’t notice the sonic till you said,you must have better eyes than me.