'Doctor Who' Adds Christopher Chung As Guest Star
The 'Slow Horses' star will be playing the character Cassio
As we get closer and closer to the April premiere of the next season of Doctor Who, more of its guest stars are being revealed. Friday morning saw the show itself announce Slow Horses star Christopher Chung as the latest to join the Whoniverse.
His character’s name is Cassio, an armed character in uniform, but that’s just gleaned from the given photo. No character details are given. Instead it’s described that he will meet the Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa and new companion Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu, for “a thrilling adventure” that showrunner Russell T Davies calls one of the “toughest episodes we’ve ever made”. While this isn’t the first time that the show is acknowledging that Chandra and Millie Gibson’s Ruby Sunday aren’t simultaneous full time, it’s at least something. Check out the first look below.
Chung is an Australian actor best known as tech-savvy MI5 agent Roddy Ho in the Apple TV+ drama Slow Horses, alongside Gary Oldman. He also starred in series 9 of BBC’s Waterloo Road, and last year’s Steve McQueen-directed film Blitz. About his casting, he said “I’m absolutely thrilled to step into the Whoniverse as Cassio for Season 2! This show is legendary, and getting to be part of this new era feels surreal. Working with Russell and Ncuti has been a dream! This episode is huge – packed with everything Who fans love: heart, adventure, and a touch of madness. I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store—it’s going to be iconic. Get ready!”
Those aware of his CV since March 2024 have known he was filming during block 3, directed by Amanda Brotchie. It is believed to consist of Davies-written second episode and the third by Sharma Walfall and him. However, the suit he’s wearing was recognized as a diving suit from the third episode “Five Miles Deep”, which also features Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Davies added: “I’m a huge fan of Slow Horses, and I was so excited to get Chris involved. He brings all of his strength and style and talent to one of the darkest, toughest episodes we’ve ever made. As for whether Cassio is an ally or an enemy of the Doctor, you’ll have to wait and see, but I can promise, it’s one hell of a meeting!”
Chung joins the upcoming season’s roster of Doctor Who guest stars that also includes Jonah Hauer-King and Archie Panjabi. While Ayling-Ellis was the first to have an episode still provided, Chung is the first of the guest stars to have his character name revealed. Other returning characters this season include Anita Dobson as Mrs. Flood, Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, Alexander Devrient as Colonel Ibrahim, Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne Bingham, and Susan Twist as Susan Triad.
Sources: Doctor Who, Cultbox