MATT LUCAS TO JOIN PETER CAPALDI AND PEARL MACKIE FOR "DOCTOR WHO" SEASON 10

Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! The bumbling duffel-coated Nardole, is back!

Following his hilarious appearance in The Husbands of River Song, Matt Lucas returns to Doctor Who from the opening episode of season 10 which starts filming next week in Cardiff (Monday, June 20).

Commenting on his return to Doctor Who, Matt Lucas, said:

"I'm chuffed to bits that Nardole is returning to the TARDIS for some more adventures. I loved acting with Peter and I'm excited to work with Pearl."

Bringing her energy and zest to the show, Pearl Mackie embarks on her first week of filming as she takes up the role of the Doctor's companion. In her first major television role following her West End appearance in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, she'll be bursting on to screens in the opening episode.

Steven Moffat, lead writer and Executive Producer, added:

"Delighted and slightly amazed to be welcoming Matt Lucas back on to the TARDIS - and this time it's not just for Christmas, he's sticking around. One of the greatest comedy talents on planet Earth is being unleashed on all of time and space."

Stephanie Hyam will play a guest cast role in the new season and is recognized for her performance as Lily Clarke in Jekyll & Hyde. She's also appeared in Peaky Blinders, Murdered by My Boyfriend, and Sherlock.

The opening episode of season 10 is written by Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat, executive produced by Brian Minchin, produced by Peter Bennett and directed by Lawrence Gough. The second episode of season 10 has been crafted by award-winning screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Block 2 writers are Sarah Dollard (writer of acclaimed episode Face the Raven) and Mike Bartlett (multi award-winning Doctor Foster).

Doctor Who, a BBC AMERICA co-production, is produced by BBC Cymru Wales for BBC One. It will return to BBC AMERICA in December 2016 with a Christmas Special, followed by the new season in 2017.