After months of rumours suggesting his possible involvement, the BBC has confirmed that the as-yet unfilmed episode ten of Doctor Who series eight will be written by acclaimed children’s novelist and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce.

Cottrell Boyce’s past work includes the films Welcome to Sarajevo, 24 Hour Party People, Millions, and A Cock and Ball Story, as well as numerous children’s novels and scripts for TV. He is perhaps best known for his collaboration with Danny Boyle on the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony.

Cottrell Boyce is quoted by the BBC Press Office as saying: “Of all the thrills that pen and paper have brought into my life, there’s nothing that quite compares to the buzz of unlimited possibility that rushes through your fingers and into your brain when you write the words: ‘Interior … TARDIS’.”

“I was flabbergasted to be asked to write an episode – partly because I’ve been so absorbed in the last few series that I’d sort of forgotten that it wasn’t real.”

The BBC have also revealed that the episode, which goes before cameras after the two part series finale, will feature a cast of child actors, and be directed by Sheree Folkson and produced by Paul Frift.