David Bradley, who played the cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films, is to play the first ever Doctor Who in a TV drama about the origins of the 50-year-old sci-fi series.
As part of celebrations for the anniversary this year, the BBC will screen “An adventure in space and time”, portraying the personalities behind the sci-fi series which depicts the adventures of a 900-year-old time traveller.
The first episode featuring the Time Lord and his Tardis spaceship was first aired on November 23, 1963, and the cult show is now broadcast in over 40 countries.
“I’m absolutely thrilled,” said Bradley, who played long-haired stickler Filch throughout the eight Harry Potter movies, in a statement from the broadcaster.
“Mark (Gatiss, the screenwriter) has written such a wonderful script not only about the birth of a cultural phenomenon, but a moment in television’s history. William Hartnell was one of the finest character actors of our time and as a fan I want to make sure that I do him justice.”
Scottish actor Brian Cox will play BBC head of drama Sydney Newman, seen as the show’s creator, while Jessica Raine — the lead actress in the BBC series Call the Midwife — will play producer Verity Lambert.
Filming on the BBC Cymru production starts in February, directed by Terry McDonough, who has directed episodes of the hit US drama Breaking Bad.
'Filch' from Potter films to play first Doctor Who
