Planet of the Dead Press Release

The BBC today issued a press release regarding the upcoming Doctor Who special episode, Planet of the Dead. The press release confirms that Michelle Ryan and Lee Evans will star in the episode and that Noma Dumezweni will return as Captain Magambo who was previously seen in the series four episode, Turn Left. The episode's press release can be read below below:

The BBC has confirmed that Michelle Ryan and Lee Evans will guest star in the forthcoming Doctor Who Easter Special which began filming this week in Wales.

Michelle, best known for her roles as Zoe Slater in EastEnders, and Jaime Sommers in the recent remake of Bionic Woman, will play the mysterious Lady Christina de Souza in the special episode entitled Planet of the Dead. Christina joins the Doctor on a bus-trip which takes a very unexpected detour into danger.

"I'm a huge fan of Doctor Who and very excited to be joining David Tennant and the Doctor Who team," said Michelle, who recently guest-starred in the hit BBC Wales drama Merlin. "It is such a fantastic show and I can't wait to get started!"

One of Britain's best loved and biggest comedy stars, Lee Evans, will also be joining the cast playing a character called Malcolm, whose life becomes connected to the Doctor's under extraordinary circumstances.

Planet of the Dead is the first of four Doctor Who Specials which will air in 2009. Michelle joins David Tennant as he continues his role as The Doctor, and Noma Dumezweni who returns as Captain Erisa Magambo - last seen helping Rose and Donna save the world in Turn Left.

"Michelle is one of the most sought after young actors in the country and we are delighted to announce that she will be joining the team," said Executive Producer and writer Russell T Davies. "As always the script is being kept strictly under wraps - however we can reveal that Lady Christina is a woman with a mysterious past who's going to have a huge impact on the Doctor!"

Planet of the Dead, written by Russell T Davies and Gareth Roberts, is currently in production and will be screened on BBC One in Spring 2009

Along with the press release, the BBC also released a new picture of the Tenth Doctor with Lady Christina De Souza which can be viewed by clicking here. Planet of the Dead is scheduled to be broadcast on BBC One and on the BBC HD channel this Spring, and more details will be posted here when made available.