Matt Lucas Joining Doctor Who as a Series Regular

Well, we didn't expect this! After appearing in the recent Christmas special, Matt Lucas will be joining the Doctor and Bill in the TARDIS next series...

The famed comedian (most known for Little Britain) has said: "I'm chuffed to bits that Nardole is returning to the TARDIS for some more adventures. I loved acting with Peter and I'm excited to work with Pearl."

Steven Moffat, Doctor Who's lead writer for one last series, added: "Delighted and slightly amazed to be welcoming Matt Lucas back on to the TARDIS - and this time it's not just for Christmas, he's sticking around. One of the greatest comedy talents on planet Earth is being unleashed on all of time and space."

This news comes a couple of months after Pearl Mackie was revealed to be the Doctor's new main companion, Bill. So that's our new TARDIS team - The Twelfth Doctor, Bill and Nardole!

If you don't remember, Nardole was a bobble-hatted bumbler from 'The Husbands of River Song.' At the end of that episode, he had found a new life as a waiter at the Singer Towers of Darillium, whilst his head shared King Hydroflax's old robot body with River's husband Ramone (don't ask). Presumably, he will somehow get his body back in the future.

In other news, it has been revealed that - as well as Moffat writing the opener - Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who wrote 'In The Forest of the Night' from Series Eight, is returning to the show for Series Ten's episode two. Other writers include 'Face The Raven''s Sarah Dollard and newcomer Mike Bartlett. He wrote last year's hit BBC drama Doctor Foster. 

I have to say I'm quite nonplussed by this news and have no idea what to think. It was assumed that Bill was to be bringing the funny in the TARDIS this year, but Lucas' return means that he will now automatically be the comic relief. Nardole was the definition of a Christmas one-off character when he last appeared, so how will he be deepened to work as a main character? Only time will tell...