David Farnor | On 06, Aug 2015

The League of Gentlemen are getting back together – sort of.

Reece Shearsmith will reunite with his former Royston Vasey resident Mark Gatiss for an episode of Doctor Who this autumn. Gatiss has long been a force behind the scenes of the TARDIS, penning episodes and even appearing as the villain in The Lazarus Experiment (Episode 6 of Season 3). Now, though, his former co-star will appear in an episode of the new season alongside Peter Capaldi’s Doctor and Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald, which is written by Gatiss.

Actor, comedian and writer, Shearsmith – like his other League members – has gone on to produce a versatile range of TV and film, from a feature-length Royston Vasey outing to Inside No. 9 (with Steve Pemberton) and multiple theatre performances. He is no stranger to Who, though: he previously played Patrick Troughton iAn Adventure in Space and Time, the BBC’s docudrama about the conception and making of Doctor Who. In fact, Gatiss says that Reece has been “badgering” him to appear in the show for 10 years.

“[I’m] chuffed to bits to finally welcome my old friend Reece Shearsmith onto the show,” says Gatiss. “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!”

As you would expect from the horror fans, his new role will be in a “very scary episode, directed by Justin Molotnikov and produced by Nikki Wilson.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be filming Doctor Who, as Mark Gatiss has written a fantastic role for me in a very scary episode,” adds Reece. “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.”

Reece will be joined by Elaine Tan (Eastenders, Entourage), Neet Mohan (All In Good Time), Bethany Black (Cucumber, Banana) and Paul Courtenay Hyu (Coronation Street).

Shearsmith joins an impressive list of guest stars for the new season, Michelle Gomez, Maisie Williams, Rufus Hound, Ingrid Oliver and Rebecca Front. The show returns on Saturday 19th September.

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