Set to air as Episode 4 when the show returns for Series 6 next month, the episode stars Suranne Jones (Coronation Street) as Idris, Elizabeth Berrington (Waterloo Road) as Auntie and Adrian Schiller (Being Human) as Uncle.

Gaiman also confirmed last week that actor Michael Sheen (Underworld, Frost/Nixon) has recorded a voiceover for the episode.

Writing on his official blog, the Sandman writer commented: “…I just saw the finished version of my Doctor Who episode. I was happy – there were moments and even scenes I missed, but that’s always the way.”

He added: “Mostly I was just impressed by the performances, direction and music. And effects. They spent money on this one and it shows.”

Doctor Who producer Marcus Wilson recently described writer Neil Gaiman’s upcoming episode as “a real love letter to the fans”.