News - Series 10 - Matt Lucas to join as Series Regular plus writer news

The BBC have announced today that Matt Lucas (Nardole in "The Husbands of River Song") will join Peter Capaldi and Pearl Mackie as a series regular in Series 10.  Stephanie Hyam ("Peaky Blinders", "Murdered by my Boyfriend" and "Sherlock") will also have a guest role in the new series.  Steven Moffat will write the opening episode and Frank Cottrell-Boyce ("In the Forest of the Night")  will write the second.  Block 2 writers are Sarah Dollard ("Face the Raven") and newcomer to Who, Mike Bartlett (writer of award-winning "Doctor Foster").  The full press release is as follows:

Following his hilarious appearance in The Husbands of River Song, Matt Lucas returns to Doctor Who from the opening episode of series 10 which starts filming next week in Cardiff (Monday 20 June). 

Commenting on his return to Doctor Who, Matt Lucas, said:
“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.” 

Bringing her energy and zest to the show, Pearl Mackie embarks on her first week of filming as she takes up the role of the Doctor’s companion. In her first major television role following her West End appearance in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, she’ll be bursting on to screens in the opening episode. 

Steven Moffat, lead writer and Executive Producer, added:
“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.” 

Stephanie Hyam will play a guest cast role in the new series and is recognised for her performance as Lily Clarke in Jekyll & Hyde. She’s also appeared in Peaky Blinders, Murdered by My Boyfriend, and Sherlock. 

The opening episode of series 10 is written by Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat,executive produced by Brian Minchin, produced by Peter Bennett and directed by Lawrence Gough. The second episode in the new series has been crafted by award winning screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce. 

Block 2 writers are Sarah Dollard (writer of acclaimed episode Face the Raven) and Mike Bartlett (multi award winning Doctor Foster). 

Doctor Who is 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.