Actor, comedian and award-winning writer Reece Shearsmith has signed up to appear in the new series of Doctor Who, screening in September.
Reece will be joining Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman - who play the Doctor and his companion Clara - will guest star in an episode of the sci-fi show written by his one-time colleague in BBC comedy The League of Gentlemen, Mark Gatiss.
Reece has previously played Patrick Troughton (the second Doctor) in 2013's docu-drama about the conception of the iconic show, An Adventure In Space and Time.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be filming Doctor Who," says Reece. "Mark Gatiss has written a fantastic role for me in a very scary episode. It has been so exciting to be part of a very singular episode - which, I can say with authority will be unlike any previous episode of Doctor Who. It’s a joy to play a part in the show - certainly a badge of honour.”
Mark Gatiss, writer of the episode, also says he's delighted to be writing for Reece again.
“I’m very excited about this particular story," he explains. "It’s been brewing in the dark recesses of my mind for a while now! I’m also chuffed to bits to finally welcome my old friend Reece Shearsmith onto the show. He’s been badgering me for 10 years!”
Reece isn't the only guest star in this autumn's series. He will be joined by Elaine Tan (EastEnders), Neet Mohan (All in Good Time, Desert Dancer), Bethany Black (Cucumber, Banana) and Paul Courtenay Hyu (Dalziel and Pascoe, Coronation Street).
Other guest cast for the new series, launching on Saturday, September 19, include Michelle Gomez, Maisie Williams, Rufus Hound, Ingrid Oliver and Rebecca Front.
Doctor Who returns to BBC1 on 19th September
