Withnail star's new Dr Who
Withnail And I star Richard E Grant is to become Doctor Who as the BBC revives the hit series.
The Timelord has not been seen since a 1996 movie in which he was played by Paul McGann.
Now he is to become a new incarnation of the Doctor for an animated adventure to be screened by the BBC's interactive service BBCi.
He is due to return in mid-November, in time to celebrate the show's 40th anniversary this year.
The Doctor roamed the galaxy and travelled through time in the Tardis, defeating evil foes such as the Daleks and Cybermen.
The BBC1 series was once a staple of Saturday early evening viewing, prompting a generation to hide behind the sofa at the appearance of the villains.
But it was axed in 1989 after seven actors including Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker and Peter Davidson had played the title role.
Grant said his interpretation of the character was something of a "Sherlock Holmes in Space," approach.
The new story has been scripted by established TV writer Paul Cornell who has worked on series such as Casualty. He has written a number of Doctor Who novels.
Cornell said: "I'm honoured to have the chance to set the Doctor off on another 40 years of adventures.
"Just wait until you hear Richard - he is the Doctor."
