Ex-EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis will guest star in the next series of Doctor Who, it has been confirmed.
The actress - also a Strictly Come Dancing champion - will play the lead role opposite Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor in episode one of the new run, which is expected to begin in May.
Showrunner Russell T Davies said: "We always want guest actors on Doctor Who to have fun, but Rose takes it to a whole new level. She storms in with an astonishing performance of terror, anger and bravery in one of the most frightening episodes we've ever made."
Ayling-Ellis added: "I loved Doctor Who when I was growing up, so being cast in the show was a dream come true. My inner child is ecstatic with excitement!
"Working with Russell and filming alongside the talented cast and crew has been an incredible experience. Ncuti is a wonderful Doctor, and I can't wait for audiences to see what we have created together."
The new series will also mark the introduction of Varada Sethu as new companion Belinda Chandra, while Jonah Hauer-King will play a potentially-sinister character called Jonah, the boyfriend of Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday.
Neil Wilkes
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