Alan Cumming is set to appear in the upcoming season of Doctor Who, marking his return to the beloved sci-fi series. The BBC announced on Thursday that Cumming, 60, will voice an animated character named Mr. Ring-a-Ding in the second episode of the new season, which is set to air on April 19.
In a press statement, the BBC described Mr. Ring-a-Ding as “a happy, funny, singalong cartoon” who lives in Sunny Town with his friend Sunshine Sally. However, after years of being confined to the screen in 1952, Mr. Ring-a-Ding suddenly becomes aware of the real world outside — and the consequences of this realization are “terrifying.”
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, known for his work on Queer As Folk and It’s a Sin, praised Cumming’s casting, calling him the perfect fit for the role. “Only Alan Cumming could give a runaway cartoon so much wit, malice, danger, and fun,” Davies said. “He makes the whole universe of Doctor Who wilder and madder than ever, and it’s an absolute honour to welcome him on board the TARDIS.”
Davies also teased on Instagram that Mr. Ring-a-Ding will bring “terror to 1950s Miami” in the episode, adding an exciting twist to the show’s upcoming storyline.
This will be Cumming’s second appearance on Doctor Who. In 2018, he portrayed King James I in the episode The Witchfinders, when Jodie Whittaker was playing the Doctor.
Currently, the lead role of the Doctor is played by Ncuti Gatwa, who is gearing up for his second full season as the iconic Time Lord. Gatwa shared the exciting news of Cumming’s casting on Instagram, expressing his gratitude to work alongside the acclaimed actor. “So blessed to have Alan Cumming joining the new season of Doctor Who,” Gatwa wrote, calling Cumming a “legend.”
In addition to his Doctor Who role, Cumming recently won his first Emmy for hosting the reality competition The Traitors. He also confirmed that he is in talks to reprise his role in the long-awaited Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion sequel, with hopes to begin filming this summer.
Fans of Doctor Who can catch Cumming’s animated debut as Mr. Ring-a-Ding in the highly anticipated second episode of the season, which will air on BBC1 in the UK and on Disney+ globally.
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