Commenting on his role, Ben Miller says: "As a committed Whovian I cannot believe my luck in joining the Twelfth Doctor for one of his inaugural adventures. My only worry is that they'll make me leave the set when I'm not filming."

Miller is best known to comedy fans as half of sketch duo Armstrong and Miller. He has also appeared in numerous dramas, including ITV1's attempt at a Saturday teatime sci-fi series Primeval (pictured) and, more recently, as DI Richard Poole, the central character in the first two series of the BBC1s Death In Paradise.

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, adds: “Mark Gatiss has written us a storming villain for his new episode, and with Capaldi in the TARDIS, we knew we needed somebody special to send everybody behind the sofa. And quite frankly, it's about time Ben Miller was in Doctor Who!”

Miller is the latest in a long line of comedians who have guested in the hit sci-fi series. Others include Lee Evans and Peter Kay and, of course, Catherine Tate. Miller’s double act partner Alexander Armstrong appeared in Doctor Who’s 2011 Christmas Special, playing Reg Arwell.

Other familiar faces confirmed to join Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman in the new series, which will be broadcast on BBC1 later this year, include Tom Riley and Keeley Hawes.