Nick Frost, the actor and screenwriter known for his work with Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, will star in the Doctor Who Christmas Special, the BBC has announced today. Frost will be joined by Natalie Gumede, 'Glue' actress Faye Marsay and 'Misfits' star Nathan McCullen.

Nick FrostNick Frost signing copies of 'Paul at HMV. Remember 'Paul'?

Further details about the characters are being kept under wraps though it is known that filming on the Christmas episode is underway in Cardiff. 

Frost, who is best known for Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and the recent Cuban Fury, said: "I'm so thrilled to have been asked to guest in the Doctor Who Christmas special, I'm such a fan of the show. The read-through was very difficult for me; I wanted to keep stuffing my fingers into my ears and scream 'No spoilers!"

More: check out our Nick Frost pictures

Gumede is best known for her role in Coronation Street though TV viewers may recognise her from Strictly Come Dancing, on which she finished runner-up last year.

The Breathless actor Michael Troughton will also appear in the special, following in his father Patrick Troughton's footsteps. The actor played the second incarnation of the doctor.

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The Doctor Who Christmas special, written by Steven Moffat, will be air on BBC on December 25 and features the latest Doctor, Peter Capaldi.

"Frost at Christmas - it just makes sense!" joked Moffat, "I worked with Nick on the Tintin movie many years ago and it's a real pleasure to lure him back to television for a ride on the TARDIS."

Meanwhile, Doctor Who continues its latest series on Saturday (August 20, 2014) at 7.30pm on BBC One.

More: so what did Peter Capaldi do before Doctor Who?

Watch Nick Frost in the 'Cuban Fury' trailer: