Things are shaping up for the Twelfth Doctor's first holiday.

The BBC has released early word of the cast and credits for this year's Doctor Who Christmas special, including the appearance of Cornetto Trilogy actor Nick Frost alongside current Doctor Peter Capaldi.

“I'm so thrilled to have been asked to guest in the Doctor Who Christmas Special, I'm such a fan of the show," Frost said in a statement. "The read-through was very difficult for me; I wanted to keep stuffing my fingers into my ears and scream 'No spoilers!' Every day on set I’ve had to silence my internal fan-boy squeals!"

The episode will also feature an appearance by actor Michael Troughton, son of Second Doctor Patrick Troughton.

The Christmas Special episodes hold a unique place in the Doctor Who hierarchy. Sometimes season finales and sometimes season premieres, past specials have included appearances by The Walking Dead's David Morrissey and singer Kylie Minogue.

"Frost at Christmas - it just makes sense!" added showrunner Steven Moffat. "I worked with Nick on the Tintin movie many years ago and it's a real pleasure to lure him back to television for a ride on the TARDIS.”