James Buckley is set to star in 'Doctor Who'.

James Buckley

James Buckley

The 'Inbetweeners' actor has landed a role in the BBC show and he will join Jodie Whittaker - who plays the titular Doctor - onscreen when 'Doctor Who' returns to TV screens in January.

James, 32, said: "It was surreal to be on such an iconic show and I'm really happy to be part of something so well loved. Hope everyone enjoys it."

Executive Producer Matt Strevens said: "It was a real thrill to welcome James to the cast, his dramatic and comic talents are put to fine use in this action packed episode."

News of James' casting comes after it was previously revealed that Stephen Fry and Lenny Henry will appear in the new series of 'Doctor Who'.

The former 'Q.I.' host and the 61-year-old comedian will guest star in the opening adventure of the BBC sci-fi series, in what has been teased as "one of [the show's] biggest ever stories".

Stephen, 62, admitted being part of the iconic series is one of the most exciting things he's ever done.

He said: "Short of being picked for a British space exploration programme - and I readily concede that I'm past the age where I'd be considered (if I was ever the right age for such a posting) - then being in an episode of 'Doctor Who' will certainly do as a very sweet second-place excitement."

And Lenny - who worked with the Doctor herself, Jodie Whittaker, and showrunner Chris Chibnall on 'Broadchurch' - had a "brilliant" time on set.

He said: "It was absolutely brilliant to be welcomed into the fantastical world of Doctor Who.

"The nearest I have been to the TARDIS was when I played the Caribbean Doctor in 'The Lenny Henry Show', so as a life-long (hiding behind the sofa type) Doctor Who fan this is a very special moment for me."

Head writer Chris promised the pair's casting will help bring the show "back with a bang".

He said in a statement: "'Doctor Who' is coming back with a bang - with two great British icons in major roles. One of the great joys of Doctor Who is getting to work with actors from your wish list.

"Stephen and Lenny are two of my absolute favourite actors - and to be able to bring them into 'Doctor Who', in our one of our biggest ever stories to kick off the new series, is an absolute thrill."

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