Meet Danny. He's a schoolteacher who teaches at the same school as Clara Oswald, the Doctor's companion on Doctor Who. And he's about to become the show's newest recurring character. And possibly, another companion?


At least, that's what the BBC seems to be hinting, in the press release announcing that Samuel Anderson (The History Boys, Gavin & Stacey) has joined the cast of Doctor Who as a recurring character for season eight.

There are a lot of sly comparisons between Clara and Danny on the one hand and Ian and Barbara, the original duo of schoolteachers who joined the TARDIS crew in 1963. Plus there are hints that he "becomes involved with" the Doctor and Clara. And showrunner Steven Moffat is quoted as saying, "For the fourth time in Doctor Who history, Coal Hill School is coming to the aid of the TARDIS."


Here's the quote from Anderson about his role:

I was so excited to join Doctor Who I wanted to jump and click my heels, but I was scared I might not come down before filming started! It's a quintessential part of British culture and I can't believe I'm part of it. It's an honor to be able to work alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman and I can't wait to show people how my character becomes involved with such a fantastic duo!

Also, the BBC press release mentions that filming recently began on "episode four of the new series, which will co-star Robert Goodman (Gangs of New York, Game of Thrones) and episode five, co-starring Jonathan Bailey (Broadchurch,Groove High), and Pippa Bennett-Warner (The Smoke, Death in Paradise)."

Here's the full press image of Danny: