If you had told us, back in Dennis Pennis’ mid-1990s spoof interviewing heyday, that his alter ego Paul Kaye would one day be starring in a TV adaptation of Game Of Thrones and the new Doctor Who series, we’d have likely said, ‘Doctor Who isn’t even on! And there IS no show of that one book by that fantasy guy! Begone, time-travelling demon!’ But we would be sadly wrong (except maybe about the time-travelling bit), as GOT veteran Kaye is indeed part of a sprawling cast for the two-part launch for the new series of Who.
The BBC has announced that the ninth series of the show – at least since the Doctor came back to screens in 2005 – is now shooting at its usual Cardiff locale, with Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman once more starring. Kaye, Thoros in Thrones, will be one of the main guest stars for the two-parter alongside Morven Christie, Arsher Ali, Colin McFarlane, Sophie Stone, Zaqi Ismail, Steven Robertson and Neil Fingleton.
Naturally, the Beeb and executive producer Steven Moffat are staying schtum as to stories and titles, but Moffat was typically enthusiastic about them, the first series kick-off he hasn’t written since taking charge of the show. “An amazing guest cast for a brilliantly creepy two-parter by Toby Whithouse. Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman are back in Cardiff, back in the box, and back in action for one of our scariest adventures yet!”
Kaye also seems pleased with the job. “As a kid of the 1970s, the two shows you always watched were Top Of The Pops and Doctor Who, they were unmissable. I actually wrote a song called ‘Looking For Davros’ in my first punk band and I sang it like a demented Dalek. I got to present TOTP back in the mid '90s and landing this role in Doctor Who completes the dream double,” he says. “Peter is a perfect Doctor and I’m loving every minute of the experience, even the five hours in make-up. What a treat, best 50th birthday present ever!” While no strict date has been mentioned yet, expect the episodes in the autumn.