TV Series

Samuel Anderson joins Doctor Who for Peter Capaldi’s first series

Rising star Samuel Anderson (The History BoysGavin & StaceyEmmerdale) is set to join the cast of Doctor Who as a recurring character in Series 8, which will also introduce Peter Capaldi as the Doctor. 

Anderson will play Danny Pink, a teacher at Coal Hill School where companion Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) also teaches. On joining the show Samuel Anderson said: "I was so excited to join Doctor Who I wanted to jump and click my heels, but I was scared I might not come down before filming started!"

He continued: “It's a quintessential part of British culture and I can't believe I'm part of it. It's an honour to be able to work alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman and I can't wait to show people how my character becomes involved with such a fantastic duo!". 

Samuel Anderson as Danny Pink

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, added: "For the fourth time in Doctor Who history, Coal Hill School is coming to the aid of the TARDIS. In 1963 teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright accompanied the First Doctor. These days it's the turn of Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald. And very soon now, Sam Anderson as Danny Pink will be entering the world of the Doctor. But how and why? Answers are coming later this year in Peter Capaldi's first series of Doctor Who!".

Filming recently began on episode 4 of the new series, which will co-star Robert Goodman (Gangs of New YorkGame of Thrones) and episode 5, co-starring Jonathan Bailey (BroadchurchGroove High), and Pippa Bennett-Warner (The Smoke, Death in Paradise).

More on TV Series

Sorry there is no content available for your region.

more from the whoniverse

Explore

Show Info

Explore

Stories

Explore

Play

More From Read and Watch

Jo Martin on her return as the Fugitive Doctor

25 Jun 2026

Doctor Who Magazine discusses all things CIRCUIT BREAKER ahead of Jo Martin's triumphant return...

Circuit Breaker
Features

The Ultimate Guide to a Doctor Who Watch Party

11 Jun 2026

Lock the TARDIS doors, lower the astro-blinds, and fire up the time machine - let’s have a Doctor Who watch party!

Army of Ghosts
Features

An update on the future of Doctor Who

10 Jun 2026

Today we’re announcing an update on plans for the future of Doctor Who.

TARDIS
TV Series

A Brief History of the Eighth Doctor

6 Jun 2026

With Doctor Who: The Movie now available on Blu-ray, here's the story of the Eighth Doctor – from his television appearances to his adventures beyond the screen…

Eighth Doctor
Features

Alex Kingston and Arthur Darvill reunite for new River Song audio series

4 Jun 2026

Alex Kingston and Arthur Darvill star in 'The Death and Life of River Song: River and Rory', a box set of full-cast audio drama, due for release January 2027.

River and Rory
Product