Some intriguing Series 8 details have emerged.

The following reveals a minor returning character and a monster that may be making an appearance in the opening episode.

Spoilerphobes should read on with caution.

Last warning…

Spoiler: show

It’s been rumoured for a little while now that the Victorian opener will see the return of the Clockwork Droids. Many will remember they were originally seen all the way back in 2006 in Moffat’s Series 2 episode, The Girl in the Fireplace.

There has been little evidence to support this, but an online CV of a supporting actor in the episode could now add some weight. Sean Ashburn’s CV lists him as playing a “Restaurant Droid”.

It’s not concrete, but it’s food for thought. Certainly, it’s a surprising choice of monster to bring back given their self-contained debut story.

Meanwhile, a minor character who is definitely returning was spotted on set again on Wednesday.

The actor in question is Paul Hickey and he first appeared in Vastra Investigates, one of The Snowmen minisodes. He was uncredited in his first appearance but appears to have an expanded role in Series 8.

According to his online CV he’s called Inspector Gregson. It looks a though Moffat couldn’t resist another Sherlock Holmes nod.

See a video of Gregson observing some strange goings on from recent filming below:

And see Gregson’s first appearance:

[Thanks to Ruther]