The longest running science-fiction series in history returns next weekend, and you’d have to be living under a rock to not know that Matt Lucas is appearing in ten episodes across the twelve-part series.

Series Ten, or if you prefer, Season Thirty-Six, once again stars the inimitable Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor (who’s technically the 14th, but who’s counting?), alongside newcomer Pearl Mackie as companion Billie “Bill” Potts, and Matt Lucas as alien TARDIS co-pilot and potential voice of reason Nardole.

Lucas, who first appeared in the 2015 Christmas special The Husbands of River Song, recently reprised his role as Nardole in the 2016 Christmas special, The Return of Doctor Mysterioso to rave reviews. He’s the latest in a long line of TVO regulars – many of whom are lifelong fans of the series – to appear in the show, having previously made a guest appearance in Big Finish audio play The One Doctor alongside Colin Baker and Bonnie Langford way back in 2001.

The last series in 2015 featured guest appearances by Reece Shearsmith, Paul Kaye and Rebecca Front, and the tradition continues this year – with TVO’s very own Nicholas Burns (Marley’s Ghosts, Nathan Barley) appearing in the third episode Thin Ice as the mysterious Lord Sutcliffe. If you missed it at Christmas, you can briefly catch him getting a solid talking to in the preview trailer below.

Naturally, the series is shrouded in secrecy, but we do know that comedy legend turned super-villain extraordinare Michelle Gomez (Psychobitches, Green Wing) will be returning as Missy, alongside John Simm as her former incarnation for good measure. Further guest cast currently announced includes Stephanie Hyam, Ralf Little, Mina Anwar, David Suchet and Tony Gardner.

We’ll be sure to keep you posted if any further TVO regulars make an appearance, but don’t forget to subscribe to the official Doctor Who Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as those of the impeccable Doctor Who magazine (Facebook and Twitter) for news faster than a Raston Warrior Robot. If that’s not enough …Who for you, don’t forget hundreds of past episodes are available to buy, and our friends at The Fan Show will be analysing every episode after tranmission alongside lots of interviews and fun stuff for good measure.

The Pilot – Episode One of the new season – airs on Saturday 15th April at 7:20pm on BBC One, and on BBC America and various other broadcasters shortly after.