The cast for BBC Three’s Class has been officially announced.

The eight-part Doctor Who spin-off began filming in Cardiff today.

Newcomers Greg Austin, Fady Elsayed, Sophie Hopkins and Vivian Oparah will star as four Sixth Formers, with Katherine Kelly (Coronation Street) playing the role of a teacher and “powerful new presence” the school.

Class creator Patrick Ness, commented: “We searched far and wide for this amazing cast, fantastic actors who understand what we’re aiming for with this show. And how lucky we are to get Katherine Kelly! She’s been stunning in Happy Valley, The Night Manager and Mr Selfridge, just wait until you see her here.”

Damian Kavanagh, Controller, BBC Three added: “I can’t wait for Class to arrive on BBC Three. BBC Three will always back best young British talent.”

A YA series set in contemporary London at Coal Hill School, Class is described by BBC Three as “scary, funny, and as painful and sharp as youth” and “will also shine a light on a whole new corner of the Whoniverse.”

It emerged yesterday that Doctor Who actor Nigel Betts will be reprising the role of Mr Armitage in Class. Betts previously played the Coal Hill School staff member in 2014’s ‘Into the Dalek’ and ‘The Caretaker’, followed by a voice-only cameo in ‘Dark Water’.

Watch writer Patrick Ness introduce the cast on set…

Class will premiere later this year on BBC Three in the UK and on BBC America in the US.

The fourth season of Sherlock also began filming in Cardiff today.

> Buy the complete Doctor Who Season 9 box set on DVD on Amazon.

> Buy the complete Doctor Who Season 9 box set on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Season 10 is expected to begin filming next month and will air on BBC One in spring 2017.

> Here’s everything we know so far about Season 10.

Are you looking forward to Class? Let us know below…