The BBC has revealed that UNIT will return to Doctor Who for the forthcoming series, as well as other casting news.
Jemma Redgrave will reprise her role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, the Chief Scientific Officer and de facto leader of the organisation, in the next series.
She’ll be joined by Peaky Blinders’ Aneurin Barnard, who will play a’mysterious’ new character in the episode.
In a short press release, the Beeb confirmed: ‘UNIT returns! Jemma Redgrave returns as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, and UNIT, the long-running organisation set on defending the Earth, returns in the next series of Doctor Who.
‘Aneurin Barnard also joins the series as the mysterious Roger ap Gwilliam.’
While Jemma has yet to comment on her comeback, Aneurin commented on his new employment in a short but charming Instagram message, implying he won’t be around for long.
He wrote: ‘Pleased to announce i will be joining the @bbcdoctorwho family for a short while.’
Returning showrunner Russell T Davis shared the news on his own account, and hailed the pair as ‘great actors’.
He said: ‘DOCTOR WHO NEWS! Jemma Redgrave returns as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart in Ncuti & Millie’s first series. Also starring Aneurin Barnard as the mysterious Roger ap Gwilliam (ap is Welsh for ‘son of’, he’s not an app. OR IS HE??) Such great actors, we’re so lucky (sic)’
According to Russell, the pair will appear alongside Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson, who will take over the TARDIS as the Fifteenth Doctor and companion Ruby Sunday later this year.
Before then, Doctor Who fans may look forward to David Tennant’s return for the 60th anniversary celebrations, which will feature Catherine Tate as Donna Noble and see him play the Fourteenth Doctor rather than his previous role as the Tenth.
Meanwhile, Aneurin’s casting is welcome news for the actor and his fans, who were left upset when Netflix shelved 1899 after only one season.
He said in a statement last week: ‘I am so sorry that @netflix1899 has been cancelled by @netflix @netflixde… We haven’t even been given the chance to tell so much of the story, especially Daniel Solace!
‘Its a huge shame that such a successful and world wide loved show has been cancelled. Doesn’t make sense to me and so many others. I am sorry to all the fans but grateful to all of you who watched the show!
‘To the cast and crew thank you for who you are and what you do! Especially the super amazingly talented @baranboodar and Jantje Friese!!!! (sic)’
Doctor Who returns to BBC One later this year.
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