Star of stage and screen Kadiff Kirwan is set to join the Doctor (Nucti Gatwa) and Belinda (Varada Sethu) in Season Two of Doctor Who.

Since his first big role as Aaron in hit comedy Chewing Gum, Kirwan has gone on to star in Black Mirror, Fleabag, I May Destroy You, This Is Going to Hurt, and most recently Slow Horses. He has also had film roles ranging from 2018’s Mary Queen of Scots to 2022’s My Policeman, and on the stage in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Hot Wing King.

Kirwan is set to guest star in an “intergalactic escapade” written by Juno Dawson and Russell T Davies.

“I feel elated to be joining the rich legacy of actors who have guest-starred in Doctor Who. Russell T Davies and Juno Dawson have truly outdone themselves with this episode in what I can only describe as an intergalactic gargantuan extravaganza. It’s packed with gravity-defying mastery beyond imagination, and being a part of it is an absolute dream. Strap in Whovians, this one is gonna rock your world!”

Juno Dawson and Russell T Davies have co-written the sixth episode of the series which leads into the the two-part finale. The episode, which transmits the same day as the Eurovision Grand Final, features the spectacular 803rd Interstellar Song Contest. Anita Dobson (Mrs Flood), Rylan (playing himself) Julie Dray (feline alien Sabine) and Freddie Fox (horned alien villain) also guest star in the episode.

Showrunner Russell T Davies expressed his enthusiasm for Kirwan’s addition to the series.

“We’re so lucky in Cardiff to open the doors to world-class talent, and it’s been a riot, getting to work with Kadiff. I’ve loved his work on TV, and stage for a long time, so when we realised he was available and happy to come on board, that was truly a great day in the office!”

Doctor Who Season Two will officially launch its first episode on Saturday 12 April at 8am on BBC iPlayer and later that day on BBC One in the UK. Those outside of the UK can watch Doctor Who Season Two on Disney+ where available simultaneously starting at 3am ET/12am PT. The remaining seven episodes of the series will transmit on subsequent Saturdays.