Richard E Grant to play Doctor Who baddie

Richard E Grant to play Doctor Who baddie (Rex Features)

Withnail and I star Richard E Grant will play a fiendishly festive baddie in this year's Doctor Who Christmas special.

The actor, who played the timelord in a special animated version of the show, will be joined by Silent Witness star Tom Ward in the Christmas show.

He said: "I played Doctor Who in the digital animated Scream of the Shalka and I'm honoured to be in the Christmas special."

The episode, which is being written by show boss Steven Moffat, begins filming this week in Cardiff.

The new series returns later this year followed by the Christmas special and another eight episodes next year.

PA