As those of you who follow our Twitter feed will no doubt be aware, last week saw the announcement that Reece Shearsmith will be making a guest appearance in Doctor Who this Autumn.

The former League of Gentlemen star will appear in an episode penned by fellow Gent, Mark Gatiss (Psychobitches, Sherlock, Game of Thrones etc), in an unspecified role. In the official press release, Shearsmith was quoted as saying:

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

Similarly, Gatiss himself, who has previously written seven episodes of the show since 2005, and played not one, not two but three different roles across the run for good measure, is delighted his longstanding collaborator is on board, stating:

“I’m delighted to be writing again for Peter [Capaldi] and Jenna [Coleman]’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! I’m also chuffed to bits to finally welcome my old friend Reece Shearsmith onto the show. He’s been badgering me for 10 years!”

Indeed, it does seem like this part was a long time coming – fellow League member Steve Pemberton guested way back in 2008, after all – though this does make Reece the third TVO regular to be cast in this ninth series, which will also feature Rebecca Front and Paul Kaye as well as Peter Capaldi (The Thick of It), Jenna Coleman, Michelle Gomez (Psychobitches), Jemma Redgrave, Ingrid Oliver (Watson & Oliver), Rufus Hound and Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones).

The series begins on 19th September on BBC One and BBC America, then roles out around the globe. We’ll bring you more news as we get it.