Simon Callow, star of stage and screen, has signed up to play author Charles Dickens in the BBC revival of Doctor Who.
Russell T Davies, producer of the new series, said: "As soon as the words 'Charles Dickens' first appeared in the script, there was only one actor we wanted to approach.
"We're genuinely honoured that Simon has accepted, and I know that Chris and Billie are delighted too. This sets the standard for a Doctor Who with wonderful casts, exciting scripts and the highest production values. It's wonderful to welcome an actor of Simon Callow's calibre on board the Tardis."
55-year-old Callow - whose previous screen roles has included Four Weddings and a Funeral - joins Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper in the series, which is due to air next year.
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