Comedy actress to play Gatekeeper of the Nethersphere

Bad Education and Green Wing actress Michelle Gomez will join the cast of Doctor Who series 8, playing the Gatekeeper of the Nethersphere alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman when the series returns this autumn.

Speaking about the role, Michelle Gomez said: “Well of course Peter Capaldi is our next Doctor, which makes complete sense. I’m thrilled to join him. Well, you would be wouldn’t you?”

Lead writer and executive producer, Steven Moffat, added: “I’ve known Michelle for years, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to Doctor Who. She’s everything we need – brilliant, Scottish, and a tiny bit satanic.”

Michelle joins the list of confirmed guest stars Frank Skinner, Ben Miller, Tom Riley, Keeley Hawes and Hermione Norris.

Doctor Who is currently filming and will air on BBC One on 23 August.