As millions of Dr Who fans prepare to cower behind their sofa tonight, one actor will be firmly planted in his seat to enjoy his appearance in the cult show.

Tom Hopper, from Coalville, landed one of the most sought-after jobs in TV when he secured a part in the opening episode of the latest series of the world's longest-running sci-fi drama.

The 25-year-old will appear tonight alongside new Time Lord Matt Smith in the hotly-anticipated season opener – a role he said was a childhood dream.

Speaking to the Leicester Mercury from Los Angeles, where he has set up home in the hope of breaking into the big time, the former Ashby School pupil said: "It's a great honour as a young actor to be part of such a long-running, critically-acclaimed show, especially working with Matt Smith.

"It's crazy knowing that it has such a huge following and obviously I was really pleased to get the part in a show I've been watching since I was at school.

"In terms of what a massive show it is, it's the most prestigious thing I've been a part of yet.

"I have watched Dr Who since I was a young lad. My earliest memories are of Tom Baker and the iconic music in the opening credits."

Details of the new series of Dr Who have been a tightly-guarded secret since filming began.

Earlier this week, TV reviewers were taken to a secret location to see a preview and sworn to secrecy.

Tom, too, is under strict instructions not to spill the beans on even the smallest detail of tonight's episode, or his character Jeff.

He said: "Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything about my role or what happens – you'll have to watch and find out.

"As for keeping it under wraps, it's not been that hard, although a couple of my mates are massive fans of the show and bugged me for some time wanting to know what happens.

"I had to turn around and say 'sorry lads, no can do!'."

Tom started his acting career during his days at Ashby School, where got his first taste of sci-fi by appearing in a school production of the musical Return to the Forbidden Planet, in 2001.

He then studied at Rose Bruford Drama College, which counts Gary Oldman among its alumni.

He has appeared in several TV programmes and last year starred alongside Alex Pettyfer and actors from the TV series Skins in his first feature film, Tormented.

As for the future Tom said: "I'm living in LA. There is so much opportunity here for a young actor.

"I'll be filming a Second World War film later this year, which I'm very excited about, and popping back to watch Leicester Tigers as often as I can."

Doctor Who will be screened on BBC One tonight, at 6.20pm. Read our reviewer's verdict in Monday's Mercury.