Bill Bailey to star in 'Doctor Who' Christmas special

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Bill Bailey is one of many actors announced to star in this year's Christmas special of Doctor Who. The stand-up comic and actor will join the latest Doctor, Matt Smith, in the now customary festive edition. Speaking on the BBC's official Dr. Who site lead writer Steven Moffat said:

Of all the Doctors, Matt Smith's is the one that was born for this time of year - so it's the best news possible that he's heading back down the chimney.

Playing alongside the Black Books star will be Outnumbered actress Claire Skinner, Arabella Weir from The Fast Show and current BBC favourite Alexander Armstrong.

Last year's Christmas special saw Harry Potter star Michael Gambon play the lead role in a loose re-telling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

The plot for this year's special will see The Doctor befriending a family – including the widowed mother to be played by Claire Skinner – as they evacuate London for Dorset during World War II. Production on the one-off 60 minute episode has already commenced and will continue through to mid-October.

The current series of Doctor Who is airing in the UK on BBC One on Saturday evenings. You can watch the series trailer below.

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