Doctor Who series 8: The Crimson Field's Hermione Norris to guest star

Hermione Norris will guest star in the eighth series of Doctor Who this autumn (Getty Images)

Hermione Norris has been announced as a Doctor Who guest star this coming autumn.

The English actress, currently playing Matron Grace Carter in World War I drama The Crimson Field, will feature in a series eight episode set in Lanzarote.

Norris, also known for her role as MI5 agent Ros Myers in Spooks, will join new Time Lord Peter Capaldi and Jenna Colman's Clara in a segment of the show penned by Peter Harness.

"It's exciting to be part of such an iconic show and one that my kids can watch," Norris told the BBC.

Steven Moffat, showrunner, said: "It's a testament to the quality of Peter Harnass' intense and emotional script that we've been able to attract an actress of the brilliance of Hermione Norris."

It will be the first time since 1984 that Doctor Who has headed to Lanzarote but, Moffat adds, "there have been sinister changes since his last visit".

Other high profile guests booked to appear on Doctor Who include Tom Riley and Ben Miller. Ellis George, Tony Osoba and Phil Nice will also star, with Keeley Hawes playing the villainous Ms Delphox.