Ashes to Ashes star Keeley Hawes, currently appearing in the critically acclaimed BBC drama Line of Duty, has just been announced as the latest member of the Doctor Who cast. She will face down Peter Capaldi’s Doctor for one episode of the eighth series, Capaldi’s first in the Tardis.
Commenting on the news, Hawes said: “I am delighted to join Doctor Who and to be working with this incredible team. Ms Delphox is a great character and someone I've had a lot of fun playing.” The episode is written by Steve Thompson, who has previously written for both Doctor Who and Sherlock, and will be directed by Douglas Mackinnon, who has also previously directed Doctor Who and is slated to direct two of the new series episodes.
The casting of Anderson also follows in the current Doctor Who tradition of casting members of the History Boys cast, with Matt Smith, Russell Tovey and James Corden all having appeared in the play on stage before joining Doctor Who.
Anderson said: "It's a quintessential part of British culture and I can't believe I'm part of it. It's an honour to be able to work alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman and I can't wait to show people how my character becomes involved with such a fantastic duo."