Neil Patrick Harris announced as latest addition to Doctor Who cast

Neil Patrick Harris has joined the cast of Doctor Who to play the ‘greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced’ and is filming scenes set to air next year.

The news came after it was announced that Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa, 29, will become the 14th Doctor on the popular BBC series, after Jodie Whittaker revealed last July that she would be leaving the show.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has confirmed Neil, 48, will be joining the cast as a villain.

It remains unclear whether Neil will appear alongside returning Time Lord David Tennant or Ncuti’s new incarnation – with Tennant currently filming scenes for the 60th anniversary special. 

New addition: Neil Patrick Harris, 48, has joined the cast of Doctor Who to play the ‘greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced’ and is filming scenes set to air next year

Following the BBC’s announcement, Russell wrote on Instagram: ‘Neil Patrick Harris, welcome to Cardiff! Playing the greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced.

‘Such a great actor, such a great man, it’s an honour and a hoot. Have fun! @nph @bbcdoctorwho Ha!’

Neil added on his page: ‘My current gig. Never looked more dashing. Thank you for inviting me into your Whoniverse, @russelltdavies63. 

Bad guy? Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has confirmed Neil, 48 (pictured), will be joining the cast as a villain

Grateful: Meanwhile, Ncuti recently revealed he was ‘deeply honoured’ to be chosen as Jodie Whittaker’s replacement as the Doctor after being confirmed for the role

Who will it be? It remains unclear whether Neil will appear alongside returning Time Lord David Tennant or Ncuti’s new incarnation – with Tennant currently filming scenes for the 60th anniversary special (pictured Tennant with Billie Piper as Rose)

‘I’ll try my hardest to do my worst. This Doctor has no idea what’s in store. And even if he does… Who cares? Ha ha ha HA ha-ha-ha!’

Neil also joins newcomer Yasmin Finney, who is to take on the role of Rose. Yasmin recently gained recognition for her role of Elle Argent in Netflix hit Heartstopper.

The new cast are filming scenes that are due to air in 2023 as part of the show’s 60th anniversary.

In the fold: Following the BBC’s announcement, Russell wrote on Instagram: ‘Neil Patrick Harris, welcome to Cardiff! Playing the greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced’

The name of Neil’s character, and any further details about his new role, are yet to be confirmed.

Speaking about the sci-fi show’s new arrival, Russell said: ‘It’s my huge honour to open our studio doors for the mighty Neil Patrick Harris… but who, why, what is he playing?

‘You’ll just have to wait. But I promise you, the stuff we’re shooting now is off the scale. Doctor beware!’

Queer As Folk and It’s A Sin writer Russell is returning as the programme’s showrunner after departing in 2009.

Russell, who was responsible for Doctor Who’s revival in 2005, will be back to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary in 2023, the BBC previously said.

He worked with Neil on hit Channel 4 mini-drama It’s A Sin, in which the American star portrayed Savile Row tailor Henry Coltrane.

Latest addition: It comes after it was announced Yasmin Finney had joined the cast of Doctor Who last month