New Series 8 writer announced

Children’s novelist and writer for the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony Frank Cottrell Boyce (pictured, left) completes the line-up of writers for series 8 of the hit BBC One show Doctor Who. Cottrell Boyce’s episode for the eagerly-anticipated eighth series will feature a cast of child actors including Harley Bird, the voice of household favourite Peppa Pig, alongside Abigail Eames (Harry and Paul, The Crimson Field), Ashley Foster (The Woman in Black) and Jaydon Harris-Wallace.

Also known for films such as 24 Hour Party People and Millions (directed by Danny Boyle), Cottrell Boyce says: “Of all the thrills that pen and paper have brought into my life, there’s nothing that quite compares to the buzz of unlimited possibility that rushes through your fingers and into your brain when you write the words: ‘Interior … TARDIS’. I was flabbergasted to be asked to write an episode - partly because I’ve been so absorbed in the last few series that I’d sort of forgotten that it wasn’t real.”

Current showrunner Steven Moffat says: “Frank's script is pure magic - and everything I could have hoped for from the genius behind the Olympics opening ceremony!! Doctor Who is born anew in the mind of a genius!” The episode will be directed by Sheree Folkson (Casanova and The Decoy Bride, both starring David Tennant).

Doctor Who returns on Saturday 23rd August with a feature-length episode, starring Peter Capaldi, titled Deep Breath.