As previously reported, Matt Smith is soon to be seen in the title role of a new BBC Two drama, Christopher And His Kind, which is to air later this month.

Ahead of its transmission, Matt has spoken to the Independent about the challenges in portraying celebrated author Christopher Isherwood on screen. During the interview, he admits that he hopes the role will showcase his versatility and enable fans who know him as the Doctor to see a different side to him as an actor.

“Hopefully people see me as an actor who can adapt to different roles,” he explains. “I’m very grateful for Doctor Who for giving me the platform to do it - it’s one of the favourable things about having a great role like that. But hopefully, watching this, you don’t see the Doctor. I always want to do varied work that is challenging - and this is a great story, challenging the perception that I can only be one thing.”

Meanwhile, the BBC Press Office also has an interview with Matt about the series. Lindsay Duncan (Adelaide in The Waters of Mars) and Toby Jones (The Dream Lord in Amy’s Choice) co-star in the drama as Kathleen and Gerald Hamilton, respectively.