Peter Capaldi's first season on Doctor Who is well underway, but even when it ends, he won't be quite finished for the year. The show's traditional Christmas Special has begun filming, and aside from Capaldi and Jenna Coleman, some familiar names have been announced as part of the guest cast.
No less than five well-known stars of British TV and film have signed on for the 2014 Christmas Special, but it's the first two that will grab your attention. Comedic actor and writer Nick Frost is best known as a frequent co-star of Simon Pegg, in films that include Edgar Wright favorites Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End. Frost also appeared in Brit TV favorite Spaced, and films like Cuban Fury, Paul and many more. Frost's role on Doctor Who has not been revealed, but the actor is ecstatic.
"I'm so thrilled to have been asked to guest in the Doctor Who Christmas Special," said Frost in a press release. "I'm such a fan of the show. The read-through was very difficult for me; I wanted to keep stuffing my fingers into my ears and scream 'No spoilers!' Every day on set I've had to silence my internal fanboy squeals!"
In addition to Frost, actor Michael Troughton will also guest star in the Christmas Special. If that name sounds familiar to Whovians, it should: Michael's father was Patrick Troughton, aka the Second Doctor. This will be Michael's first appearance on Doctor Who. Natalie Gumede, Faye Marsay and Nathan McMullen will also appear.
As has been the case for the last four years, the Christmas Special is written by showrunner Steven Moffat. Paul Wilmshurst is directing the special, after having directed two episodes of the current season.
The 2014 Doctor Who Christmas Special will air Christmas night on BBC America.
