As anticipation for the next episode of Doctor Who: ‘The Curse of the Black Spot’ builds, guest star Hugh Bonneville has been speaking to several different media outlets about his role on the show.

The actor, well known for his part in Downtown Abbey, will be playing Captain Avery in this Saturday’s standalone episode. Speaking to TV Choice he explains how he has long been after a role on the show saying, “I’ve been badgering them for years to let me be in Doctor Who.”

“It’s a cracking episode,” the star added. “The audience will expect one thing and it turns out to be quite different. It’s actually rather mysterious and dark and ultimately a rather touching story about the Doctor making my character reconcile with his son, while all this weird stuff is going on with a nasty spooky Siren (Lily Cole).”

Bonneville goes on to say that, “The ideas and themes are huge but done in an adventurous family-friendly way. There are some very interesting deep philosophical thoughts parading around in the background for those who want to pick them up.”

The actor also recently spoke with the BBC who have now released a video of the interview, which can be seen below (it cannot be viewed in the United States unfortunately).

Be sure to tune in to BBC One (UK) or BBC America (US) this Saturday to watch Bonneville in action.