Doctor Who has officially confirmed a return date, along with the announcement of an exciting guest star.
The sci-fi show is due to return with its 15th season on April 12, premiering at 8am on BBC iPlayer and later that day on BBC One in the UK. Episodes will also be available to watch on Disney+ for those outside of the UK.
It's now been confirmed that Emmy-winning actor and The Traitors US host Alan Cumming will guest star in the second episode of the season, voicing a character named Mr Ring-a-Ding.
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Mr Ring-a-Ding is described as a "happy, funny, singalong cartoon, who lives in Sunny Town with his friend Sunshine Sally.
"However, in 1952, after years of repeats in cinemas across the land, Mr Ring-a-Ding suddenly looks beyond the screen and sees the real world outside - and the consequences are terrifying."
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Commenting on Cumming's casting, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: "Only Alan Cumming could give a runaway cartoon so much wit, malice, danger and fun. 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."
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The new season will see the return of Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor and his companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), while Varada Sethu will make her debut as new companion Belinda Chandra.
Other guest stars for season 15 include Rose Ayling-Ellis, Anita Dobson, Christopher Chung, Michelle Greenidge, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruth Madeley, Jemma Redgrave and Susan Twist.
The return date news comes shortly after the BBC responded to rumours that Doctor Who could be axed in the near future, with a spokesperson saying the speculation is "incorrect".
Doctor Who returns with season 15 on April 12. The show airs on BBC One in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere.
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Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
