Former ‘Doctor Who’ star Paul McGann has joined the cast of ‘Holby City’.
The 57-year-old actor was known for portraying the time-travelling scientist in the sci-fi TV movie in 1996 but has now bagged himself a role as an actual doctor after he was approached to play charming surgeon Professor John Gaskell in the medical drama.
Paul said: "I’m really excited to be joining Holby. Professor John Gaskell is certainly going to be an interesting character and I can’t wait to get started on the wards."
Details on his alter ego’s arrival are being kept close to producers’ chests for the time being but they have teased that his presence on the ward will "ruffle a few feathers."
Oliver Kent, Head of Continuing Drama for BBC Scripted Studios, explained to The Sun newspaper: "I am utterly thrilled that the brilliant Paul McGann has agreed to join the cast of ‘Holby City’ as Professor John Gaskell. I’ve admired Paul’s work for many years… and it’s a dream come true that he is joining our company."
Since leaving ‘Doctor Who’ over a decade ago, Paul has landed various roles in film and television including; 2003’s ‘Agatha Christie’s Poirot’, ‘Luther’ and ‘New Tricks’.
Meanwhile, Paul isn’t the only new face to grace the wards this year as Gemma Oaten – who played tracksuit loving mother Rachel Breckle in ‘Emmerdale’ – will make a guest appearance in the medical series as agency nurse Sydney Summers this week.
Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, she said: "My two favourite shows growing up were ‘Emmerdale’ and ‘Holby City’ and now I’ve been in them both – I still have to pinch myself. It’s been two years since I left ‘Emmerdale’ and I didn’t realise how much I missed having that family unit. But everyone at ‘Holby City; has been so lovely."
Paul McGann joins Holby City
