Prepare to be upgraded -- The Cybermen are returning to Doctor Who.
WalesOnline has posted some terrific new pictures of the Cybermen's invasion of the Friary, a section of the city centre in Cardiff, Wales. Today's filming of the Doctor Who Series 8 season finale revealed not only the Twelfth Doctor's first encounter with the Cybermen, but also the return of the Brigadier's daughter Kate Stewart, her geeky science assistant Osgood, and the Unified Intelligence Taskforce, better known as UNIT.
According to the article, Kate confronts the Cybermen at some point in the story and "to prove her credentials, she throws down the very thing that springs the Cybermen to life. With this, the Doctor calls everyone to back away."
In addition, actress Michelle Gomez appeared in the filming, portraying a new Mary Poppins-esque character called The Gatekeeper of the Nethersphere. Speaking about the role and the series, Gomez said, "Well, of course Peter Capaldi is our next Doctor, which makes complete sense. I’m thrilled to join him. Well, you would be, wouldn’t you?"
Added executive producer and Series 8 finale writer Steven Moffat, "I’ve known Michelle for years, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to Doctor Who. She’s everything we need -- brilliant, Scottish, and a tiny bit satanic."
The Cybermen debuted in 1966's "The Tenth Planet," William Hartnell's final story, and last appeared in Matt Smith's final story, "The Time of the Doctor." Kate Stewart and Osgood, meanwhile, last appeared in the 50th anniversary special "The Day of the Doctor," helping the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors negotiate a peace treaty with the Zygons.
Interestingly, Osgood previously wore a long, multicolored scarf resembling the Fourth Doctor's and now appears to be wearing a bow tie similiar to the Eleventh Doctor's. Bow ties are cool, after all.
Doctor Who returns for Series Eight on August 23, 2014.