Matt Lucas will be making Christmas come early for Doctor Who viewers as he returns for the new series.

The comedian, who starred alongside Peter Capaldi and Alex Kingston in last year’s Christmas Day special as Nardole, will appear from the opening episode of series 10, which starts filming in Cardiff from June 20.

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MATT LUCAS TO JOIN PETER CAPALDI AND PEARL MACKIE FOR DOCTOR WHO SERIES 10 Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! The bumbling duffel-coated Nardole, is back! 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. For more news and updates, follow the official BBC Doctor Who accounts.

His character was last seen sharing the body of King Hydroflax (Greg Davies) with River Song’s former husband Ramone (Phillip Rhys) and working in a restaurant situated near the Singing Towers, where the Doctor - also married to River Song – spends his final night with her.

Matt, who will be joining new companion Pearl Mackie, 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.”

Writer and executive producer 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.”

It  will be Pearl’s first appearance as the Doctor’s new assistant, as she takes over from Jenna Coleman.

Pearl Mackie is joining Peter Capaldi in the TARDIS (Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA)Pearl Mackie is joining Peter Capaldi in the Tardis (Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA)

The BBC hit is her first major television role after starring in The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time in the West End.

Jekyll and Hyde star Stephanie Hyam also has a guest role in the new series.

Steven, who will step down as showrunner at the end of the upcoming series, has penned the opening episode, while Olympic opening ceremony writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce has crafted the second episode.

Jenna Coleman in Doctor WhoJenna Coleman left the show last series (Ian West/PA)

Mike Bartlett, the writer behind multi-award winning Doctor Foster, and Sarah Dollard, who penned Jenna’s death in Face The Raven, will also write episodes.

Doctor Who will return in December 2016 with a Christmas special, followed by the new series in 2017.