Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat has spoken about the cameo appearance in tonight’s new episode.

SPOILERS FOR ‘DEEP BREATH’ BELOW…

Former star Matt Smith made a surprise return as the Eleventh Doctor at the end of Series 8’s opener, ‘Deep Breath’, to persuade Clara that the new Doctor needs her support.

Smith’s scene was shot last year and is set in the TARDIS on Trenzalore during the final moments of ‘The Time of the Doctor’, before Clara enters the TARDIS to see him regenerate.

Speaking at the BFI’s screening of ‘Deep Breath’ in London earlier this month, Moffat joked: “It’s the fastest return ever!”

He explained: “It felt very right – and right for Matt’s Doctor that he would come back.”

New star Peter Capaldi added: “I was delighted that he showed up.”

Series 8 continues next Saturday on BBC One with ‘Into the Dalek’.

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