Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville cast in Doctor Who

The highly-acclaimed actor Hugh Bonneville has been cast in Doctor Who, it has emerged.

The actor, who plays Earl of Grantham in ITV1's hit drama Downton Abbey, will take on the role of a pirate captain in the next series of Doctor Who.

Bonneville commented: "When I was a boy, the music and Jon Pertwee's doctor had me peeking out from behind the sofa every Saturday.

"I am thrilled to be appearing in the new series.

"Although the pirate's demons are different to those of the young lad who watched through his fingers, they are no less terrifying - this new adventure is not for the faint-hearted."

Doctor Who will return later this year. Follow @hughbon on Twitter.

(Source: The Sun)