EastEnders legend Anita Dobson has become one of the latest stars to join the cast of the new series of Doctor Who, filming for which has taken place across Bristol today (January 20). Film production crews descended upon the West Country today as fans caught glimpses of some of the BBC show's stars, including new companion Millie Gibson.
Film crews were spotted shooting scenes in Frederick Place and Park Place, with both Clifton roads closed off. Doctor Who will return in November 2023, with David Tennant returning to the TARDIS as the Fourteenth Doctor for three special episodes before Ncuti Gatwa becomes the Fifteenth Doctor over the festive period.
The BBC has now announced that two new stars will be joining the Doctor Who cast in the next series. EastEnders legend Anita Dobson and After Life star Michelle Greenidge will feature in the Doctor's upcoming adventures through space and time in late 2023.
Read more: Doctor Who film crews and stars spotted in Bristol
First look portraits of the two new characters - who have not yet been named - played by the actresses have also been released by the broadcaster. Despite the news of Anita and Michelle joining the show only being announced just a few hours ago, fans have already started to speculate the character's identities and backstories, with some suggesting that the soap stalwart will play Ruby Sunday's (Millie Gibson) grandmother in the new series.
Whilst Anita, 73, is best known for her role as Angie Watts in EastEnders, she has also starred in Red Dwarf, Call the Midwife, Doctors, Hotel Babylon, and Urban Gothic. Since 2000, she has been married to Queen's Brian May, who she met four years previous.
Doctor Who fans may recognise Michelle, 52, from her roles as Valerie in After Life, Lola in Mandy, PC Williams in Code 404, and Rosa Babatunde in It's a Sin. Michelle launched her acting career in 2009, when she appeared in short film Leave.
Anita, Michelle and Millie are not the only newcomers to Doctor Who, as a number of other actors have been announced as they prepare to join or return to the show. Heartstopper rising star Yasmin Finney is set to play Rose Tyler - although it is currently unknown whether she will be playing the exact same character that Billie Piper did back in the 2000s alongside Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor.
Comedian Catherine Tate will return to Doctor Who as Donna Noble, starring as David Tennant's trusty sidekick once again. Meanwhile, Peaky Blinders actor Aneurin Barnard will also feature in the upcoming series, although details of his role are yet to be divulged to the public.
Click here to subscribe to the South West TV Talk newsletter, bringing you the latest showbiz news, gossip and features from across the West Country every week.
Read more:
BBC One Show: Billy Chip co-founders surprised with private Tom Grennan gig in Bristol
Arguing Love Island contestants Olivia and Zara knew each other before villa
Josie Gibson's journey from Big Brother glory to regular This Morning host
Jeremy Clarkson's ITV future in doubt amid CEO's comments on Meghan Markle column
The Chase contestant from Weston-super-Mare beats Chaser Shaun Wallace with ease
