Along with getting a new actor in the role of the Doctor next season, “Doctor Who” has cast a new recurring character. TVGuide.com reports that the show added Samuel Anderson, known to British viewers for his roles in shows such as “Gavin & Stacey” and “Emmerdale,” in a recurring role.

Anderson will play Danny Pink, a teacher at Coal Hill School, where Clara Oswald — the Doctor’s new companion — also teaches. The next season of the long-running science-fiction show will feature the debut of Peter Capaldi in the title role.

In a statement, Anderson said: “I was so excited to join ‘Doctor Who’ I wanted to jump and click my heels, but I was scared I might not come down before filming started! It’s a quintessential part of British culture, and I can’t believe I’m part of it."

Steven Moffat, the show’s executive producer, said in a statement that it’s the fourth time that Coal Hill School has been featured in the program. “In 1963, teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright accompanied the first Doctor,” he said.

Oswald is played by Jenna Coleman. The next season will debut later this year on BBC America.

Samuel Anderson