Doctor Who Series 9: Reece Shearsmith Joins Episode 9

The ninth episode of Doctor Who‘s upcoming Series 9 is shaping up to include an epic reunion of sorts. BBC announced today that actor/comedian Reece Shearsmith has joined the cast in an unspecified role. Shearsmith is best known for The League of Gentlemen, the comedy troupe and titular television series co-created by Shearsmith and writer/actor Mark Gatiss (along with Jeremy Dyson and Steve Pemberton).

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Gatiss also penned the upcoming ninth episode, which is something of a mystery. Production on episode 9 was skipped in favor of episode 10, and filming had recently moved on to the two-part series finale. Episode 10 was written by Being Human‘s Sarah Dollard and features the return of graffiti artist Rigsy from Series 8‘s ‘Flatline.’ Plot details are being kept up tight wrap, so it’s possible these could be the only two episodes of Series 9 that don’t constitute a two-part story. The director for both episodes, though, is Merlin and Atlantis‘ Justin Molotnikov, which does suggest at least some synchronicity across the two episodes.

There’s no word on what part Shearsmith is playing, but he’s clearly enthused:

"“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.”"

Reece Shearsmith as Patrick Troughton (alongside David Bradley as William Hartnell) in ‘An Adventure in Space and Time.’ (Credit: BBC)

This isn’t Shearsmith’s first brush with Doctor Who, however. He had a brief role as Second Doctor Patrick Troughton in the 2013 docu-film, An Adventure in Space and Time (also penned by Mark Gatiss).

Gatiss himself had this to say:

"“I’m delighted to be writing again for Peter and Jenna’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 ten years!”"

The remaining guest-cast for the episode was also released, including Elaine Tan (Eastenders, Entourage), Neet Mohan (All in Good Time, Desert Dancer), Bethany Black (Cucumber, Banana) and Paul Courtenay Hyu (Dalziel and Pascoe, Coronation Street).

The BBC also released a short video with Shearsmith talking about his Doctor Who guest role:

Pretty exciting news! Shearsmith is a funny, talented guy, and having him re-team with the brilliant Mark Gatiss is sure to be a winning combination. As for who he’s playing, the image released by the BBC (see the top of this story) features Shearsmith in a futuristic, Star Trek/Battlestar Galactica-style uniform, which is definitely interesting; I’m a fan of those kinds of space epics, so if we’re looking at something similar, I’d be very pleased.

Doctor Who Series 9 premieres September 19 on BBC One and BBC America. For more information, check out our full episode guide: ‘Doctor Who Series 9: Everything There is to Know so Far.’

What do you think? Are you excited to see Mark Gatiss’ old mate join him for Series 9? Sound off in the comments below!

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