Dr Who role for student at college for blind

Appearing in Sunday's episode alongside Jodie Whittaker will be 18-year-old Ellie Wallwork who was born blind due a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Refusing to let her visual impairment get in the way of her ambitions, Ellie, who has previously appeared in Call The Midwife, landed the dream role after answering a casting call for a blind teenager to play a character in the eleventh series of the hit BBC programme earlier this year.

She said: "Doctor Who has been around all my life as my dad, Simon, is a massive, massive fan. He's so excited!

"Being on set was fantastic. I felt comfortable and at home, everyone was really lovely and orientation to the set was always given. I actually had a lightbulb moment there that this is what I want to be, this is what I want to do.

"I really miss it!"

The teenager, who is also a keen singer/songwriter and creative writer, is currently taking a year out of mainstream education to study Performing Arts at the Hereford college, which is also helping her to develop and learn the skills she will need maintain her independence when she goes to university next year.

Ellie said: "The college has been really good. I feel so much more independent and confident, and I'm doing what I love.

"The RNC has been amazing in supporting my career, they have even authorised absences so I can be on set. People really seem to be taking it seriously that this is what I want to do as a career, it's not just a hobby."

The RNC said: "At the Royal National College for the Blind, we encourage all of our students to reach for the stars. "Ellie’s one-year program is built around her aspirations and focuses on preparation to higher education.

"This was important to Ellie who felt that the jump to university may be a bit too big."

The episode titled 'It takes you away', featuring Ellie as character 'Hanne' alongside the Doctor and her new companions, Ryan, Yaz and Graham will air on BBC One at 8pm, December 2.