Tom Cruise takes a trip with Doctor Who

Nov 26, 2007, 12:30 GMT

Tom Cruise - Collateral Movie Premiere - The Orpheum Theatre - Los Angeles, CA, USA © Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos

Tom Cruise is set to star in a special episode of hit British TV show 'Doctor Who'.

The 'Lions for Lambs' actor is among a host of top US stars, including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Madonna, who the BBC are hoping to get on board for three blockbuster instalments of the British sci-fi series to be filmed next year.

An insider told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "BBC producers know they can't pay these stars what they are used to, but what they can offer is an exciting role in a real cutting-edge show. And the big stars love that kind of kudos."

'Doctor Who' already has a track record of attracting top stars for cameos.

This year's Christmas special, 'Voyage of the Damned', will see Kylie Minogue play a waitress at the 1912 launch party for the famously doomed ocean liner the Titanic, which sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage.

The three 'Doctor Who' specials will be shot in 2008, but will not hit screens until 2009.

The three episodes are rumoured to be the final time actor David Tennant will play the time-travelling Doctor.

It is also believed 25-year-old actress Billie Piper - who quit the show in 2006 to pursue other projects - will return to play his sexy sidekick Rose Tyler.

(C) BANG Media International