The “surprise guest” at the Doctor Who panel during the San Diego Comic Con was revealed to be Games of Thrones star, Jacob Anderson, who plays Vinder throughout Series 13.

Vinder will be a recurring role in the run, which is expected to last 8 episodes.

Anderson played the Grey Worm in Game of Thrones, but his credits otherwise include Broadchurch (written by current Doctor Who showrunner, Chris Chibnall), Episodes, Spooks, Silent Witness, and The Mimic.

He also has a successful music career as “Raleigh Ritchie”.

Anderson said:

“The Doctor has been a part of my life forever, from watching and rewatching the serials on VHS as a kid and being terrified, to unexpectedly finding my eyes watering when the Tenth Doctor said “I don’t want to go”, I always wanted to live in the Whoniverse. Not only has a lifelong dream of mine now been fulfilled but to be playing a character as fun, adventurous and dynamic as Vinder is the cherry on top. This is very cool.”

Jacob was born in 1990 and grew up in the so-called Wilderness Years, so it’s great to know Doctor Who has nonetheless been a big part of his life.

He’ll star as Vinder alongside the Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, Mandip Gill as Yasmin Khan, and John Bishop as Dan Lewis — yes, he does have a surname!

Doctor Who will return to TV later this year.