Ben Miller has revealed that getting a role as a Doctor Who villain is thrilling.

The Death In Paradise actor will appear opposite Peter Capaldi in the new series of the long-running science-fiction show this autumn.

"I'm going to be a villain in Doctor Who, which is just the best news I've had for ages," he said.

Ben, a self-confessed "committed Whovian", admitted keeping the news close to his chest hasn't been easy.

"It's so frustrating. I can't imagine what it was like for Peter Capaldi, knowing he is the Doctor for all that time," he continued. "It's one of those collusions you're very happy to take part in. The secrecy of Doctor Who is stronger than MI5, not that there is an MI5."

The 48-year-old father-of-two said his love for the sci-fi series has been passed onto his sons.

"Both of my sons are huge fans. It's extraordinary, considering the youngest is just two years old and he already knows what a Dalek is, and who Doctor Who is. It's amazing how they pick it up," he said, adding: "It must have come from me."

Ben - who was killed off in the Caribbean detective drama Death In Paradise at the start of the most recent series - is already looking forward to sharing his experiences with his offspring.

He said: "We're doing some filming this week and my seven-year-old son is coming down. He's very excited."