BBC One today announces that the former Doctor Who star Paul McGann is the latest medical recruit to tread the wards at Holby City Hospital. Paul, who will begin filming with the team in August, will play Professor John Gaskell, a surgical star with irrepressible charm. 

As Holby struggles under a crisis, Gaskell will arrive as the saviour of the hour, armed with a programme of surgical innovations - taking the hospital into an exciting but unknown future.

In addition to his famous role as the eighth Doctor in Doctor Who, Paul has also featured in Withnail And I, Luther, Jonathan Creek, and Alien 3 and reprised his role of the Doctor in the 50th Anniversary celebration.

Paul McGann, says: “I'm really excited to be joining Holby. Professor John Gaskell is certainly going to be an interesting character and I can't wait to get started on the wards."

Oliver Kent, Head of Continuing Drama for BBC Scripted Studios, says: “I am utterly thrilled that the brilliant Paul McGann has agreed to join the cast of Holby City as Professor John Gaskell. I’ve admired Paul’s work for many years on stage, screen and radio and it’s a dream come true that he is joining our company. In his hands, John Gaskell will be a mercurial force to be reckoned with and I can’t wait to see him locking horns with Jac, Hanssen, Griffin and the other Holby titans.”

Holby City viewers can expect to see Paul appear on screen from December. Holby City is made by BBC Studios for BBC One.