The History Boys actor Samuel Anderson is to play a companion of Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) in the new series of Doctor Who. Anderson will play Danny Pink, a teacher at Coal Hill School, where Oswald also teaches.

Samuel AndersonSamuel Anderson Is Joining 'Doctor Who'

The eight series of the much-loved BBC show will also introduce Scottish actor Peter Capaldi as the latest Doctor.

"I was so excited to join Doctor Who, I wanted to jump and click my heels but I was scared I might not come down before filming started," Anderson said of his casting.

"It's a quintessential part of British culture and I can't believe I'm part of it. It's an honour to be able to work alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman and I can't wait to show people how my character becomes involved with such a fantastic duo."

Anderson also starred in Gavin & Stacey and on the soap opera Emmerdale, playing police offer Jason Kirk from 2007 to 2009. However, he is probably best known for playing Crowther in Alan Bennett's hit play The History Boys at the National Theatre and in the movie adaptation, with James Corden.

Peter CapaldiPeter Capaldi Is The New Doctor Who

Creator Steven Moffat added, "For the fourth time in Doctor Who history, Coal Hill School is coming to the aid of the TARDIS. In 1963 teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright accompanied the First Doctor. These days it's the turn of Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald. And very soon now, Sam Anderson as Danny Pink will be entering the world of the Doctor. But how and why? Answers are coming later this year in Peter Capaldi's first series of Doctor Who!"

The new season of Doctor Who has almost completed filming and is expected later this year.