Gloucestershire Echo - March 29, 2005
Brockworth actor Simon Pegg is out to exterminate Doctor Who. The 34-year-old will appear in episode seven in the new series of the TV cult classic.
BBC producers have kept his role a secret but the Echo has found out that he will be playing an alien who is bent on destroying the doctor.
The episode, called Long Game, will be screened to predicted record audiences on May 7.
Simon is better known for his leading role in the Bafta-nominated sitcom Spaced and his recent zombie comedy film Shaun of the Dead.
His dad John Beckingham, who lives in Green Way, Brockworth, found out Simon was in the sci-fi show through a text message.
He said: "He sent me a text saying I'm on the set of Doctor Who and I'm playing a baddy.
"I've not had the chance to speak to him to find out more but I know that it involves him wearing a lot of make-up.
"Since Shaun of the Dead he has had a lot of offers to appear in films but he's being selective. This is something he really wants to do.
"I'm proud of everything he has done. He's been very successful." The former Brockworth School pupil was a fan of the show when it was last screened 16 years ago.
Mr Beckingham said: "I used to watch the original series with Simon. I don't think he ever hid behind the sofa like other kids.
"He was always into sci-fi, especially zombies. It will be good for him to play a baddy as it's a role reversal for him and a change from fighting zombies." The BBC's Doctor Who scooped a record 10.5 million viewers in the season opener on Saturday at 7pm. It beat ITV's Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway in the ratings.
Christopher Ecclestone plays the ninth doctor and is joined by former pop star Billy Piper, who plays his assistant Rose.
Other celebrity cameos in the series will include Simon Callow and Zoe Wannamaker.
Copyright 2005 Gloucestershire Echo