Episode 3: ‘Robot of Sherwood’

Air date: Saturday 6 September 2014, 7.30pm.

Written by Mark Gatiss.

Directed by Paul Murphy.

Guest cast: Tom Riley as Robin Hood, Ben Miller as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Trevor Cooper as Friar Tuck, Ian Hallard as Alan-a-Dale, David Benson as Herald, Roger Ashton-Griffiths as Master Quail, Adam Jones, David Langham, Sabrina Bartlett as Ward.

Official synopsis: “In a sun-dappled Sherwood forest, the Doctor discovers an evil plan from beyond the stars and strikes up an unlikely alliance with Robin Hood. With all of Nottingham at stake, the Doctor must decide who is real and who is fake. Can impossible heroes really exist?”

Ben Miller: I hadn’t done sword fighting before, as Tom Riley will attest to, because I think I actually created a new joint in his thumb during one of the fight scenes! He’s a brilliant sword fighter so if I look good it’s only because he’s so brilliant.”

Steven Moffat: “…with all of Nottingham at stake (and possibly Derby), there’s no time for the two adventurers to get into a fight about who is real and who isn’t – which is probably why they do very little else!”

Steven Moffat: “It’s the Doctor meets Robin Hood. And it’s about being a hero. It’s very, very funny. ”

Tom Riley: “I’ve been a massive fan since I was even smaller than Jenna [Coleman]. Very excited. [Mark Gatiss]‘s script is awesome.”

Mark Gatiss: “…it is a more dangerous, more urgent Doctor. It has a side of crazy. The series has already turned eight, is not new anymore, then it’s time to do something more radical. I think it will be fantastic.”

Paul Murphy: “Gotta a brilliant day ahead with some awesome surprises for the next series!”

Paul Murphy: “OFF WE GO!!! Day 1 of filming episodes 3&6 of the next series begins!! #DoctorWho”

Paul Murphy: “Off to find some stunning, spectacular locations the next series. Gonna be huge!”

Paul Murphy: “Day 1 working on Doctor Who! Time to climb aboard the TARDIS…”