Callow to play Dickens with Doctor

Simon Callow, star of a hundred stage and screen productions, has signed on the dotted line to play Charles Dickens in the new series of Doctor Who.

17:08 08 September 2004

Simon Callow, star of a hundred stage and screen productions, has signed on the dotted line to play Charles Dickens in the new series of Doctor Who.

"As soon as the words 'Charles Dickens' first appeared in the script, there was only one actor we wanted to approach," said Russell Davies, producer of the new series.

"We're genuinely honoured that Simon has accepted, and I know that Chris and Billie are delighted too. This sets the standard for a Doctor Who with wonderful casts, exciting scripts and the highest production values. It's wonderful to welcome an actor of Simon Callow's calibre on board the Tardis."

Callow, who has appeared in such films as Four Weddings and a Funeral and Bright Young Things - will join Christopher Eccleston (the latest incarnation of The Doctor) and Billie Piper, who plays his companion Rose, in the new series which is set to debut at Christmas.