Rylan Clark is to appear as himself in an episode of the new series of Doctor Who, it has been revealed.
A newly-released extended trailer for the show features a clip of Rylan - one of the presenters of the BBC's Eurovision coverage - introducing something called the 'Interstellar Song Contest', appearing to confirm previous reports of a Eurovision-inspired episode.
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The trailer also features footage of new companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) - and appears to hint at a connection between Belinda and Sethu's character Mundy Flynn from last series' episode 'Boom', despite showrunner Russell T Davies's previous claims that there was no relation between the characters.
Also featured alongside The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) are returning characters Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), Mel Bush (Bonnie Langford), Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) and Mrs Flood (Anita Dobson), while other newly-confirmed guest stars include Jonah Hauer-King as Conrad, Evelyn Miller as Sasha, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Ariyon Bakare and Julie Dray as Rylan's co-host.
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"As a massive Whovian, getting the call to be in Doctor Who was a call I've always dreamed of getting," said Rylan. "The episode is all my favourite things about the show with an added song contest set in space. It really is a dream come true. I can't wait for everyone to see it. It really is going to be out of this world."
Dray added: "I am so excited to be joining the cast of Doctor Who, an iconic show with such a rich legacy. I had such an amazing time working alongside Rylan while wearing some beautiful prosthetics, and can't wait for audiences to see the spectacular Interstellar Song Contest be brought to life! Voilà!"
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Miller, whose character Sasha is seen alongside Belinda and large robots, said: "I'm so delighted to be joining the Doctor Who team. It was such a feature of my childhood, the memory of curling up on the sofa with my brother and watching the Weeping Angels episode from behind a pillow still makes me laugh. We were terrified. The love and passion that's gone into this series is so clear. I can't wait for people to see it!"
Dunne said of her mystery guest role: "I am so grateful to have been asked to be a part of this exciting second season of Doctor Who. As a longtime fan of the show, it has been a dream come true. And to get to work with such an amazing gang, Ncuti and Varada, such a wonderful duo, this absolutely stellar cast and such a supportive and hardworking crew. I couldn't have asked for a better gang of folk to have hurtled through the Whoniverse with."
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Bakare, meanwhile, previously appeared as the lion character Leandro in the 2015 episode 'The Woman Who Lived', although it is uncertain that he will reprise the role as the episode ended with Leandro being executed.
He said of his part: "As a kid, I'd run around the house chasing my little sister, arms raised, shouting 'I am a Dalek!' Back then, I never imagined I'd even meet a Doctor, let alone guest star in the show. So, returning to the Whoniverse for Season 2 is an absolute treat. I can't wait for everyone to see what we've created."
The new series premieres on Saturday, April 12 at 8am on iPlayer in the UK and simultaneously in the rest of the world on Disney+ at 9am CET, 3am ET and 12am PT.
Watch the trailer below:
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Neil Wilkes
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