Emmy-nommed “Veep” helmer to join “Doctor Who” cast

PanARMENIAN.Net - Chris Addison, the British comedian and actor who directed much of the second season of HBO’s Emmy-nominated political comedy Veep, is set to join the cast of Doctor Who, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Addison will appear as a guest in the hit BBC series’ upcoming two part-finale Dark Water / Death in Heaven, and told U.K. magazine Radio Times that being offered a role was the easiest question he’d ever been asked.

"It’s a 35-year dram come true. Seven-year me would be going off his nut and I’m not far behind," he said.

The role reunites Addison with the new time lord Peter Capaldi, whom he played alongside in the U.K. TV comedy and Veep predecessor The Thick of It, and also in its spin-off film In The Loop. It has also made Addison among the frontrunners to become Doctor Who’s new companion following speculation in the U.K. press that Jenna Coleman is set to leave the show in a Christmas storyline after 18 months as sidekick.

"By the time she leaves she will be one of the longest-standing companions ever. She has been absolutely brilliant in the role, but everyone agrees it is a part that should change after a period," a source told The Mirror.

Addison is now the bookies’ second favorite behind Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie to replace Coleman.

The season eight opener of Doctor Who is due to air on BBC One Aug. 23, and will be screened at midnight at cinemas across the U.S. on the same day.