After a couple of days of rumours, it has now been confirmed that award winning children’s author Frank Cottrell Boyce – whose work also includes 24 Hour Party People – will be writing an episode of Doctor Who’s eighth series.

Cottrell Boyce’s episode will feature a cast of child actors including Harley Bird, the voice of household favourite Peppa Pig, alongside Abigail Eames (Harry and Paul, The Crimson Field), Ashley Foster (The Woman in Black) and Jaydon Harris-Wallace (CITV Text Santa).

Cottrell Boyce commented: “Of all the thrills that pen and paper have brought into my life, there’s nothing that quite compares to the buzz of unlimited possibility that rushes through your fingers and into your brain when you write the words: ‘Interior … TARDIS’.

“I was flabbergasted to be asked to write an episode – partly because I’ve been so absorbed in the last few series that I’d sort of forgotten that it wasn’t real.”

Steven Moffat, lead writer and Executive Producer, added: “Frank’s script is pure magic – and everything I could have hoped for from the genius behind the Olympics opening ceremony! Doctor Who is born anew in the mind of a genius!”

The episode will be directed by Sheree Folkson (Casanova, Hit & Miss), and produced by Paul Frift.