The Sun have revealed that the 22-year-old will star in an episode “set in the 1600s”, which sees “the Tardis landing on top of a pirate ship”.

This suggests that the role is in Episode 3, written by Sherlock scribe Steve Thompson, which filmed on location in Charlestown, Cornwall last month. The episode also stars Hugh Bonneville as a pirate captain.

Cole told The Sun‘s TV Biz: “It is a great script and a fun character and I am glad to be involved.”

An insider commented: “Lily’s a big fan of the show and jumped at the chance to appear. She will play a sea creature in an episode based around a well-known tale. It’s a real ocean adventure.”

Lily Cole’s previous acting roles include St. Trinian’s (2007) and Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus, alongside Heath Ledger.

Update: The official Doctor Who website has confirmed the casting this afternoon, adding that “Lily plays a mysterious creature that haunts a pirate ship”.