Following his hilarious appearance in The Husbands Of River Song, Matt Lucas returns to Doctor Who from the opening episode of series 10, which starts filming next week in Cardiff (Monday 20 June).

Commenting on his return to Doctor Who, Matt Lucas, says: “I’m chuffed to bits that Nardole is returning to the TARDIS for some more adventures. I loved acting with Peter and I’m excited to work with Pearl.”

Bringing her energy and zest to the show, Pearl Mackie embarks on her first week of filming as she takes up the role of the Doctor’s companion. In her first major television role following her West End appearance in The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time, she’ll be bursting on to screens in the opening episode.

Steven Moffat, lead writer and Executive Producer, adds: “Delighted and slightly amazed to be welcoming Matt Lucas back on to the TARDIS - and this time it’s not just for Christmas, he’s sticking around. One of the greatest comedy talents on planet Earth is being unleashed on all of time and space.”

Stephanie Hyam will play a guest cast role in the new series and is recognised for her performance as Lily Clarke in Jekyll & Hyde. She’s also appeared in Peaky Blinders, Murdered By My Boyfriend, and Sherlock.

The opening episode of series 10 is written by Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat, executive produced by Brian Minchin, produced by Peter Bennett and directed by Lawrence Gough. The second episode in the new series has been crafted by award-winning screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Block 2 writers are Sarah Dollard (writer of acclaimed episode Face The Raven) and Mike Bartlett (multi-award-winning Doctor Foster).

Doctor Who is a BBC Cymru Wales-produced drama for BBC One. It will return in December 2016 with a Christmas Special, followed by the new series in 2017.

The trailer was released online at 3pm on Saturday 25th February, and was shown on BBC One in the evening just before the Let It Shine final at 6:45pm.

John Simm says: "I can confirm that it’s true, thanks to the power of time travel I’m back. It’s always a pleasure to work with this great team of people and I can’t wait for you all to see what The Master gets up to in the next series."

Steven Moffat, writer and executive producer, says: "Nothing stays secret for long on Doctor Who but you'll have to wait a little bit longer to see exactly what The Master is up to and how he makes his return to face the Doctor. It’s been a huge pleasure to have fan favourites John Simm and Michelle Gomez face to face in the same role! It’s not often you get to see a solo personality clash."

John Simm was last seen as The Master on New Year’s Day 2010. Viewers will have to wait to see exactly when and how The Master will return to the new series, which starts on Saturday 15 April at 7.20pm on BBC One.

As previously announced, Doctor Who series ten will also star Michelle Gomez as Missy - a later regeneration of The Master. Other returning foes include the Daleks, the Ice Warriors and - returning for the first time in almost fifty years - the Mondasian Cybermen. An exciting line up of new faces and adversaries will debut across the series, including adorable-but-deadly Emojibots and David Suchet as The Landlord.

Doctor Who returns to BBC One with episode one The Pilot at 7.20pm on Saturday 15 April.