The official Doctor Who website has today confirmed that Suranne Jones will be appearing in Series 6 of Doctor Who.

The actress – who is best known for her role as Karen McDonald in Coronation Street – will be playing an important character called Idris in Episode 3, which is written by Neil Gaiman and begins filming later this week.

Of her casting, Gaiman said: “Suranne is marvellous. She’s beautiful, funny and strange.”

He continued: “It’s the kind of role that people will remember forever, so we needed someone who was able to pull that off, and to keep up with Matt Smith. And bite him.”

“As an actor, it’s hugely exciting to be cast in Doctor Who,” Suranne revealed. ”I’m a massive fan of the show and I was blown away when I read Neil’s script and uncovered what’s in store for my character. I’m sworn to secrecy so viewers will just have to wait until next year to find out any other juicy details.”

This isn’t the first time Suranne will be appearing in the Doctor Who universe – she has previously portrayed Mona Lisa in Series 3 of The Sarah Jane Adventures.