Pendle star Natalie Gumede lands role in Doctor Who Christmas Special

Last year she was taking to the dance floor, wow-ing the nation with her passion and flawless routines.
Natalie Gumede will star in the Doctor Who Christmas Special Photo: Ian West/PA WireNatalie Gumede will star in the Doctor Who Christmas Special Photo: Ian West/PA Wire
Natalie Gumede will star in the Doctor Who Christmas Special Photo: Ian West/PA Wire

And now Natalie Gumede has another prime-time slot on our television screens - having landed herself a role in the popular Doctor Who Christmas Special.

The former Strictly sensation and Corrie star will be entering the world of sci-fi alongside Nick Frost, Faye Marsay, Nathan McMullen and Michael Troughton, as well as the Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and his companion Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman).

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She is not the only Pendle star to have bagged herself such an honour - with actor James Buller appearing in the festive special last year.

With production now in full swing, the former Colne Park High School student has now taken to Twitter to share her joy at being involved in such an iconic series.

The 30-year-old, who won one of our Leader Times Stage Awards, said: “WELL excited to be part of THIS.”

The BBC, who announced the news on Friday, have promised that the Christmas special will be a cracker of a highlight in the festive season’s schedule.

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They added it will air this Christmas on BBC One and that it will undoubtedly be an action-packed and unmissable adventure.

And Natalie’s not the only star having to pinch herself at being given such an incredible opportunity.

Shaun of the Dead and Spaced actor Nick Frost said: “I’m so thrilled to have been asked to guest in the Doctor Who Christmas Special, I’m such a fan of the show. The read-through was very difficult for me; I wanted to keep stuffing my fingers into my ears and scream ‘No spoilers!’ Every day on set I’ve had to silence my internal fan-boy squeals!”

Written by Steven Moffat and directed by Paul Wilmshurst (Strike Back, Combat Kids), the Doctor Who Christmas Special will be shot in Cardiff at BBC Wales Roath Lock Studios.

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Already, Natalie’s supporters have taken to Twitter to express their delight at the star’s latest part.

The BBC’s Richard Curwen said: “Gorgeous @NatalieGumede in Dr Who! I hope as a sparkly fabulous alien that communicates through the medium of dance!”

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