Children’s novelist and writer for the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony Frank Cottrell Boyce completes the line-up of writers for series 8 of the hit BBC One show Doctor Who.

Cottrell Boyce’s episode for the eagerly-anticipated eighth series 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).

Also known for films such as 24 Hour Party People and Millions (directed by Danny Boyle), Cottrell Boyce says: “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, says: “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 (Escape Artist, Best Possible Taste, Restless).

Other writers confirmed for the eighth series are Mark Gatiss, Phil Ford, Gareth Roberts, Peter Harness, Steve Thompson and Jamie Mathieson.

Doctor Who returns to BBC One on Saturday 23August.