'Doctor Who' season 10 cast news 2016: Ralf Little, two more cast in guest roles

"The Royle Family's" star Ralf Little is the new addition to the ever-growing list of "Doctor Who" season 10 cast members. To be sure, this new casting development started off a spate of character predictions among "Doctor Who" fans trying to work out which character the comedian could possibly be playing in the upcoming installment of the time-traveling series.

Little has kept mum as well about the role, but it is known that his part will be that of a guest character on the show. The British star and semi-professional footballer joined the rest of the cast last week to film his role in Cardiff. Fans mystified by the secretive way around this bit of information have gone online to make their own conclusions.

Many fans believe that Little could be playing another "Doctor Who" version of The Master, while some conjectured he will be Captain Jack Harness' chum. Most have stuck to their theory that the role could be that of Guy Fawkes, who the actor has voiced on the 2011 "Doctor Who" game.

As it happens, a recent report may be able to shed light on the matter. According to Den of Geek, Little will be playing a part of some family, as he will not be the only new addition to appear in the next run of "Doctor Who."

The three new characters whose names hint at being somehow related are Steadfast, which will be Little's role; Praiseworthy, who will be played by Kaizer Akhtar; and Goodthing, to be portrayed by Mina Anwar.

Another cast-related speculation is that involving Matt Smith who is purportedly returning to the series to take over the role of the current Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi, who, in turn, is also rumored to be leaving the show.

Smith, however, was quick to clear it up in a webchat with The Guardian, saying that as much as he missed everything about the show, he preferred just watching it as a fan.

"It's Peter's Tardis now. And I love what he does," Smith said.

The 33-year-old actor had played that role prior to Capaldi until he passed it on to the latter in 2013. Smith also pointed out that it may be time for a woman to play the role of Doctor Who.

"Doctor Who" will return with a Christmas special this year and will be followed by the full series in 2017.