PLAYTIME FOR DOCTOR WHO

Classic villain The Toymaker set to appear in new series

HOLLYWOOD star Neil Patrick Harris is tipped to play retro villain The Toymaker when he guest stars in Doctor Who.

Showrunner Russell T Davies has only said that Harris’s character will be “the greatest enemy the Doctor has faced”. But fans are convinced he will be the warped shop owner, who first appeared in 1966, played by Michael Gough – Bruce Wayne’s butler Alfred in the Batman films.

The Toymaker liked to play games, rendering William Hartnell’s first Doctor invisible, and had living toys as servants. A shop named Mr Emporium has been spotted on location in Bristol. Harris, 49, who shot to fame at 16 as child doctor Doogie Howser, M.D, posted images of himself in archaic clothes, writing: “This Doctor has no idea what’s in store.”

One fan declared: “He’s playing the Celestial Toymaker, 100%. The apron, the tools, the look.” James Johnson agreed: “I am convinced it’s The Toymaker.” The BBC declined to comment. The scenes will be part of next year’s 60th anniversary specials for BBC1.

It is not clear when new Doctor Ncuti Gatwa will replace Jodie Whittaker. nicola.methven@mirror.co.uk

ORIGINAL Hartnell, left, as Doctor with Toymaker Gough (right)

NEXT TIMELORD Ncuti

DOC Neil was Doogie