Veteran comedy actors Geoffrey Palmer and Clive Swift have signed up to star in the forthcoming Doctor Who 2007 Christmas Special.

Geoffrey Palmer, best known for playing Ben Parkinson in Butterflies and as grumpy Lionel Hardcastle in As Time Goes By, will play the captain of the doomed Titanic in the Christmas special.

Palmer has actually appeared in Dr Who before – 35 years ago he starred in two episodes of the hit sci-fi show alongside Jon Pertwee.

An 'insider' told The Sun: "Geoffrey is one of Britain's best loved telly actors so it's a real coup to get him on board. He has starred in the show before, back in the Seventies, and is a big fan."

Keeping Up Appearances star Clive Swift, who played Richard Bucket – Hyacinth's hen pecked husband - in the 1990s sitcom, will also be appearing in the new episode.

The actor, whose most recent role was as Reverend Brewer in Born and Bread, has also appeared in Dr Who before. He played the part of Jobel in a 1985 two-part special starring Colin Baker.

Swift confirmed: "It's a lovely part and I'll be working with Kylie, who I was introduced to at the read through, and David Tennant, who is a terrific actor."

'The Voyage Of Doom' which, as mentioned above, will also feature pop star Kylie Minogue, will be filmed in Cardiff next month. The episode is currently scheduled for Christmas day 2007.

In other Doctor Who news, Russell T Davis has come fire for appointing comedy actress Catherine Tate as David Tennant's new side-kick. Many fans are very un-happy with the decision as they felt she 'ruined' the 2006 Christmas special (Full Story).