Reece Shearsmith will appear in the new season of Doctor Who in a “special episode” written by his former League of Gentlemen co-star Mark Gatiss.

The Inside No.9 star previously played Second Doctor actor Patrick Troughton in 2013’s An Adventure in Space and Time, also written by Gatiss.

The story will be the ninth episode of the upcoming Season 9 and is directed by Justin Molotnikov (Merlin).

Shearsmith commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to be filming Doctor Who as Mark Gatiss has written a fantastic role for me in a very scary episode. It has been so exciting to be part of a very singular episode – which, I can say with authority will be unlike any previous episode of Doctor Who. It’s a joy to play a part in the show – certainly a badge of honour.”

> Buy Season 8 on DVD on Amazon.

> Buy Season 8 on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Other guest cast in the episode include Banana star Bethany Black alongside Elaine Tan (Eastenders), Neet Mohan (Desert Dancer), and Paul Courtenay Hyu (Coronation Street).

Mark Gatiss said: “I’m delighted to be writing again for Peter and Jenna’s brilliant TARDIS team and very excited about this particular story. It’s been brewing in the dark recesses of my mind for a while now! I’m also chuffed to bits to finally welcome my old friend Reece Shearsmith onto the show. He’s been badgering me for ten years!”

Watch a behind-the-scenes interview with Reece Shearsmith…

Season 9 has been filming in Cardiff since January and begins on Saturday 19 September on BBC One.

> Here’s everything we know about Season 9 so far.

Are you looking forward to the episode? Let us know below…