The BBC has been inundated with applications for tickets to free advance screenings of Dr Who and The League of Gentlemen.

There have been almost 35,000 entries in the ballot so far. Applications can be made until December 3.

Ticket holders will be able to pose on the BBC red carpet alongside props from Dr Who, including Daleks and the TARDIS.

In Hartlepool and York there will be local screenings for local people to see two of the three new episodes of cult comedy The League of Gentlemen.

Talking about the screenings, co-creator and co-star Steve Pemberton said: “The north of England is where all four of us hail from and it was very definitely in our minds when we created Royston Vasey. We know from going out on tour that we get the best audiences in the north of England, and there’s a real connection, a humour, that we share between the four of us which is out there it the north. They’re the funniest people in the whole country, and we hope they enjoy the new specials we’ve made for them this Christmas.”

Reece Shearsmith added: “Being from the North, you couldn’t be more local for The League of Gentlemen purposes so that should be reason enough to rush to apply for tickets and enjoy all your favourite characters from The League of Gentlemen. It’s great fun.”

For more information and details of how to apply click here.