Richard. E. Grant stars as Doctor Who’s most recent nemesis, Doctor Simeon

The episode, called ‘The Snowmen’, will air on Christmas Day and feature Richard E. Grant as Dr Simeon, an evil mastermind who commands an army of vicious snowmen.

According to Emma Gritt, of The Daily Mail website, “The casting of Richard, 55, was well-received by critics and fans alike, who are looking forward to seeing what magic he can bring to the special episode. He has been previously cast as Doctor Who twice – he voices the character in the animated series, and also played him unofficially in a Children In Need sketch. But, this is his first appearance in the show, and his menacing portrayal of the cold-hearted villain is bound to leave fans of the science fiction romp cowering behind their Christmas puddings.”

Fans will also be happy to see a reappearance of Madame Vastra, Jenny and Strax, also in the special.

Executive producer Steven Moffat was keen to add some background to the story.

In a statement he said; ‘The Doctor at Christmas is one of my favorite things — but this year it’s different. He’s lost Amy and Rory to the Weeping Angels, and he’s not in a good place: in fact, he’s Scrooge.

“He’s withdrawn from the world and no longer cares what happens to it. So when all of humanity hangs in the balance, can anyone persuade a tired and heartbroken Doctor that it’s time to return to the good fight. Enter Jenna-Louise Coleman…”

Doctor Who himself, Matt Smith, is excited to be sharing the screen with Withnail and I star Richard.

He said: “For this year’s Christmas special we have the wonderfully villainous Richard E. Grant as Doctor Simeon. As well as lizards, Victorian assassins and deranged warriors from the future, who all return to convince the Doctor that he should board the Tardis again and save the world. Add to that Jenna-Louise Coleman and so begins the Christmas Special 2012. I hope everyone enjoys it!”

The new trailer appeared on the Children In Need special hosted by Sir Terry Wogan and a heavily pregnant Fearne Cotton. Just click the image below to see it.

And while we’re on the Doctor Who bandwagon, here’s a cool picture of REG from Scream Of The Shalka.