Doctor Who Casting & Writer News

The BBC has announced the second bit of casting news for the new season of Doctor Who, along with the first four writers. Matt Lucas will reprise his role as Nardole from the Christmas special as a series regular. Stephanie Hyam will guest star as an unspecified role. Steven Moffat will write the first episode (directed by Lawrence Gough); Frank Cottrell-Boyce will write the second. Sarah Dollard and Mike Bartlett will write for the second filming block (which is not necessarily the second to air). Filming starts next Monday. Matt Lucas commented,

I’m chuffed to bits that Nardole is returning to the TARDIS for some more adventures. I loved acting with Peter and I’m excited to work with Pearl.

Steven Moffat said,

Delighted and slightly amazed to be welcoming Matt Lucas back 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.

Frank Boyce to Write Doctor Who

Frank Boyce has been confirmed as the final writer for series 8. His episode (#10) will be directed by Sheree Folkson and produced by Paul Frift. Boyce has previously worked on the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony and films such as 24 Hour Party People. Folkson has worked on Casanova and Hit & Miss, while Frift has worked on Escape Artist and Restless. Harley Bird, Abigail Eames, Ashley Foster, and Jaydon Harris-Wallace have all been cast in the episode. Boyce said

Of all the thrills that pen and paper have brought into my life, there’s nothing that quite compares to the buzz of unlimited possibility that rushes through your fingers and into your brain when you write the words: ‘Interior ... TARDIS’. I was flabbergasted to be asked to write an episode - partly because I’ve been so absorbed in the last few series that I’d sort of forgotten that it wasn’t real.

Moffat also commented

Frank's script is pure magic - and everything I could have hoped for from the genius behind the Olympics opening ceremony! Doctor Who is born anew in the mind of a genius!