THIS is Bolton comedian Peter Kay as you have never seen him before.

The Phoenix Nights star has swapped Brian Potter's wheelchair for green skin and pointy ears as he plays a new Jabba-the-Hut style villain in Dr Who.

The creature, named Abzorbaloff, kills its victims by absorbing them into its massive body. Their faces can be seen through its translucent green flesh.

He first appears as a man called Victor Kennedy then reveals his true evil identity.

The Bolton comic was given the role in the second series of the sci-fi hit after he wrote a fan letter to Doctor Who creator Russell T Davies saying how much he enjoyed the first series.

The Abzorbaloff was designed by nine-year-old William Grantham, of Colchester, Essex, for a "Design a Doctor Who Monster" competition held by Blue Peter last year.

Kay had to endure five hours in make-up to emerge as the flabby horror.

Russell T Davies said: "We are delighted to welcome Peter onboard the TARDIS! The casting of Peter came about after he wrote me the most brilliant letter to say how much he'd enjoyed Series One of Doctor Who.

"From, that point on, we started talking about a guest appearance. However, this is not a comedy turn. Peter is a versatile actor who has appeared in Paul Abbott's Butterfly Collectors and The Secret Life of Michael Fry."

Mr Davies said the hand-written note was signed "Yours sincerely, Peter Kay. PS garlic bread", after one of Kay's famous catchphrases. Kay joins an array of well-known actors who have already signed up to the series including; Pauline Collins, Anthony Head, Maureen Lipman, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Sophia Myles, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Danny Webb.

On Monday, Kay topped a list of the 100 funniest people alive in a survey by lads' magazine Zoo.

The Doctor Who episode Love and Monsters starring Kay is due to be broadcast on BBC1 on Saturday, June 17.