Stephen Fry and Sir Lenny Henry are stepping into the world of Who with both slated to appear in the series opener of Doctor Who next year.

The two television legends will join Jodie Whittaker who is reprising her role as the Thirteenth Doctor.

But will they be friend or foe? That’s the big question but really Stephen Fry is just happy to be appearing in the iconic show.

“Short of being picked for a British space exploration programme and I readily concede that I’m past the age where I’d be considered (if I was ever the right age for such a posting) – then being in an episode of Doctor Who will certainly do as a very sweet second-place excitement,” Fry admitted.

It was a sentiment backed by Henry.

“It was absolutely brilliant to be welcomed into the fantastical world of Doctor Who,” he said.

“The nearest I have been to the TARDIS was when I played the Caribbean Doctor in the Lenny Henry Show , so as a life-long (hiding behind the sofa type) Doctor Who fan this is a very special moment for me.”

Showrunner Chris Chibnall promised a big opener for the long-awaited new series.

“Doctor Who is coming back with a bang – with two great British icons in major roles,” he said.

“One of the great joys of Doctor Who is getting to work with actors from your wish list. Stephen and Lenny are two of my absolute favourite actors – and to be able to bring them into Doctor Who, in one of our biggest ever stories to kick off the new series, is an absolute thrill.”