Reece has previously played Patrick Troughton in a docu-drama about the conception and making of Doctor Who, An Adventure In Space And Time, and returns to Cardiff for a part in an adventure written by Mark Gatiss, directed by Justin Molotnikov and produced by Nikki Wilson.

Most famously known for his work as part of The League Of Gentlemen, along with fellow performers Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss and co-writer Jeremy Dyson, Reece comments on his casting for the hit show:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be filming Doctor Who, as 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, adds: “I’m delighted to be writing again for Peter and Jenna’s brilliant TARDIS team and very excited about this particular story. 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 ten years!”

Reece will be joined by Elaine Tan (Eastenders, Entourage), 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, 19 September, include Michelle Gomez, Maisie Williams, Rufus Hound, Ingrid Oliver and Rebecca Front.

Doctor Who has had a decade of success and is one BBC One’s most highly regarded shows. The much-loved brand is already a phenomenon delivering on a global scale, with the last series' (series 8) consolidated average at 7.4 million.