Following his hilarious appearance inThe Husbands of River Song,Matt Lucasreturns toDoctor Whoin the opening episode of Season 10 which starts filming next week in Cardiff (Monday June 20). The actor will be returning as Nardole, a member of the human colony at Mendorax Dellora, who worked forRiver Song(Alex Kingston). Here’s what the actor had to say in a statement about his return toDoctor Who.
“I’m chuffed to bits that Nardole is returning to the TARDIS for some more adventures. I loved acting withPeterand I’m excited to work withPearl.”
Bringing her energy and zest to the show,Pearl Mackieembarks on her first week of filming on theBBCseries, as she takes up the role of theDoctor’s companion. In her first major television role following her West End appearance inThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, she’ll be bursting on to screens in the opening episode. Here’s whatSteven Moffat, lead writer and Executive Producer, had to say in his statement.
“Delighted and slightly amazed to be welcomingMatt Lucasback on to the TARDIS - and this time it’s not just for Christmas, he’s sticking around. One of the greatest comedy talents on planet Earth is being unleashed on all of time and space.”
Stephanie Hyamwill play a guest cast role in the new series and is recognized for her performance as Lily Clarke inJekyll & Hyde. She’s also appeared inPeaky Blinders,Murdered by My BoyfriendandSherlock. The opening episode of season 10 is written byDoctor WhoshowrunnerSteven Moffat, executive produced byBrian Minchin, produced byPeter Bennettand directed byLawrence Gough.
The second episode in the new series has been crafted by award winning screenwriterFrank Cottrell-Boyce. Block 2 writers areSarah Dollard(writer of acclaimed episodeFace the Raven) andMike Bartlett(multi award winningDoctor Foster).Doctor Whois a BBC Cymru Wales produced drama for BBC One. It will return in December 2016 with a Christmas Special, followed by the new series in 2017.
In related news, BBC is also bringing thespinoffseries entitledClassto the airwaves later this year, which is being crafted by award-winning young adult authorPatrick Ness. The show will be set in modern-day London at The Coal Hill School, which has long been a part of the show’s history in its 50-year run. Earlier this week,Patrick Nesswas asked on Twitter if there will be any LGBT characters inClass. Although he was going to keep it a secret, the showrunner said that, in the wake of the tragic Orlando shooting at a gay nightclub, he decided to spill the beans. Here’s what he had to say below.
“Been asked if Class will have LGBT representation in it. Will a lead character with a boyfriend who he kisses & sleeps with & loves do? We were keeping that secret, but today that secret doesn’t seem very important. There’s way more than one character on the show, of course; lots of stories to be told. with aliens & terror & emotions & stuff!!! So I can’t wait for you to meet the characters of Class, all of em, all their sorrows & joys & goofiness & loves & losses. Roll on Autumn…”
He went on to add that he was “astounded” about how his statement was picked up by several media outlets, adding that it shouldn’t be a “big deal” that his show has an LGBT lead character. He also stated that the show has five lead characters, and there will be plenty of different stories to tell when the show debuts. Take a look atPatrick Ness' tweets below, and stay tuned for more on bothDoctor Whoand the spinoffClass.
