Billie Piper & Sylvester McCoy Announced For Aussie Doctor Who Festival

The first-ever Australian Doctor Who Festival is already an enticing prospect, but it just knocked itself up to certifiably #fantastic with the revelation that original revival companion Billie Piper, as well as Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy, will also be in attendance at the Hordern Pavilion later this year.

Along with Piper, who etched herself into everyone's hearts as shop assistant-turned-time-travelling-badass Rose in the first two series of the revival as well as making an appearance in last year's 50th-anniversary special, and McCoy, the event will also feature Dan Starkey, better known as living potato man and Paternoster Gang mainstay Strax. 

"I made a flying visit to Australia a few years ago and I'm really looking forward to coming back and spending a little longer this time," Starkey said of the impending trip in a statement. "In his long and illustrious military career, I'm sure that Strax has conquered jet-lag and I'm certain I will too!"

The newly announced cabal will join already-known guests such as writers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and current Doctor Peter Capaldi for the inaugural event, to be held over two days in Sydney this November.

Also on offer over the course of the Doctor Who Festival will be a Millenium FX Monster Show, which goes behind the scenes of creating the creatures that populate the show's intergalactic setting, a Monster Drama School, hosted by Starkey, to help fans get in touch with their inner aliens, the eye-opening, industry-revealing Production Village, the Science Of Doctor Who presentation, and an iconic set from the show, shipped to Australia directly from the series' filming location in Cardiff.

That's all in addition to previously revealed activities such as Q&As, photo and autograph opportunities, a writers' masterclass, a special-effects display, wardrobe exhibition, cosplayer showcase, Doctor Who quiz and the ultimate Doctor Who fan challenge.

The first-ever Aussie Doctor Who Festival will be held from 21-22 November at the Hordern Pavilion & Royal Hall Of Industries. Tickets are available via Ticketek.

The ninth season of Doctor Who is currently screening on ABC.