Mark Gatiss has declared Doctor Who as his “first love” and revealed that working on the show is like “fulfilling the dream I had when I was eight”.

The actor and writer has been involved with the series since its 2005 comeback and has contributed to the Time Lord’s adventures both on and off the screen, having appeared in various supporting roles as well as penning several episodes including The Unquiet Dead and Robot of Sherwood. He will be returning for Series 9 with a scary script which he recently revealed has been “a tough nut to crack”.

“Doctor Who is my everything,” he told the Guardian. “I owe it so much, because in many ways it’s what got me into acting and writing. I remember getting a call at midnight from a friend saying, ‘Are you sitting down?’ And I said, ‘No, I’m lying in bed.’ He told me: ‘Doctor Who is coming back.’ Russell contacted me Christmas 2004. The best gift I have ever got.”

What have been your favourite Mark Gatiss episodes? Let us know in the comments below!