Richard E. Grant is set to join the cast of 'Doctor Who' for the Christmas special of the show, it's been confirmed by the Bbc. It'll be a return to familiar ground of sorts for the popular British actor, who once played the time-travelling Doc himself back in a 2003 animated series called Scream of The Shalka, whilst even further back in 1996 he played an unofficial Tenth Doctor in a comedy sketch for television charity drive Comic Relief.
The Christmas special of the long-running sci-fi drama is typically a big ratings hit for the Bbc, and the broadcaster clearly hopes this year will be no different with the addition of Grant. There has, as yet, been no revelations as to what sort of role the actor will be playing, although the strong rumours going round are that he'll be playing a villain-type character. He'll not be the only cameo face appearing, either, with 'Silent Witness' actor Harry Cunningham joining the cast. In addition, the Doctor, currently played by Matt Smith, is also expected to gain a new companion in the form of a new character played by Jenna-louise Coleman.
The announcement follows artwork released last month to promote the new regular series of 'Doctor Who', that sees Smith holding Amy Pond - played by Karen Gillan - as though she's injured, whilst daleks surround them.