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As part of the BBC’s blockbuster celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, David Bradley (Harry Potter films, Dinosaurs on a Spaceship and several Big Finish audios) is set to play the first  Doctor, the iconic William Hartnell in the BBC Two drama ‘An Adventure in Space and Time’.

‘An Adventure in Space and Time’ will tell the story of the genesis of Doctor Who – first aired on 23 November 1963 – and the many personalities involved. The BBC’s Head of Drama Sydney Newman, credited with the creation of the show, will be portrayed by Brian Cox (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Identity and for Doctor Who fans The End of Time) and the producer, Verity Lambert, by ‘Call the Midwife’ star Jessica Raine (Who also appears in Series 7 Part Two up and coming episode Phantom of the Hex) . The director of the first ever episode, ‘An Unearthly Child’, Waris Hussein, will be played by Sacha Dhawan (History Boys, Last Tango In Halifax).

Commenting on his upcoming role, David Bradley, said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled. I first heard about this role from Mark [Gatiss] while watching the Diamond Jubilee flotilla from the roof of the National Theatre. When he asked if I would be interested, I almost bit his hand off! Mark has written such a wonderful script not only about the birth of a cultural phenomenon, but a moment in television’s history. William Hartnell was one of the finest character actors of our time and as a fan I want to make sure that I do him justice. I’m so looking forward to getting started.”

The one-off 90-minute BBC Cymru Wales produced drama is written by Mark Gatiss who will also act as executive producer alongside Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner.

Mark Gatiss, executive producer and writer, said:

“What a cast! I’m utterly delighted that everyone’s favourite Time Lord will be in such brilliant and stellar company. We have a terrific team who can’t wait to tell the fascinating and surprising story of how the Doctor began his journey through Space and Time.”

Filming begins at the beginning of February at Television Centre before moving to Wimbledon Studios. It is produced by Matt Strevens (Misfits, Skins) and directed by Terry McDonough (Breaking Bad, The Street).

Related articles

• “An Adventure in Space and Time” Cast Announcement (nerdist.com)
• Bradley to play ‘the first Doctor’ (bbc.co.uk)
• Doctor Who creation drama to star David Bradley and Jessica Raine (telegraph.co.uk)
• Doctor Who drama to star Harry Potter actor (guardian.co.uk)
• BBC America To Co-Produce ‘Doctor Who’ TV Movie; Cast Set For February Shoot (deadline.com)
• Harry Potter Star David Bradley to Star as William Hartnell (geeksyndicate.co.uk)
• Doctor Who – An Adventure In Space And Time (scifiandtvtalk.typepad.com)
• David Bradley cast as William Hartnell in new Doctor Who drama (metro.co.uk)