Fans of Missy, aka the gender-swapping Master from Doctor Who, are in for a treat. Actress Michelle Gomez confirmed today that she's returning to the role in the first two episodes of the next season of the hit science-fiction series.

The new season of Doctor Who began production recently, with Gomez arriving on set in Cardiff, Wales this week. There, she joins series stars Peter Capaldi (The Doctor) and Jenna Coleman (Clara) for the first two episodes of the season, "The Magician's Apprentice," and "The Witch's Familiar." Showrunner Steven Moffat wrote both episodes.

"Everybody hide - Michelle Gomez as Missy was an instant hit last year, so she's straight back to plague the Doctor and Clara in the series opener," says Moffat. "But what brings her back into their lives is the last thing they'd expect."

As to what that thing is, is anyone's guess, but there's a likely chance that The Doctor and Clara end up needing Missy's help in fighting the big baddie (or baddies) in these two episodes. Considering The Doctor's long history with Missy (who is actually The Master), that could make for some interesting viewing if they turn out to be allies for a few episodes.

Missy's first appearance, at least in her current incarnation and not as The Master, occurred last season in the two-part season finale of Doctor Who. In those episodes, her dastardly plan involved taking the souls of the dead and putting them into the classic Doctor Who nemeses, the Cybermen. It seemed that she did this to "help" The Doctor (she is insane, after all), but of course, The Doctor, along with Clara and the deceased-turned-Cyberman Danny Pink, foiled her plot. Missy is supposedly killed, but for those familiar with Doctor Who, The Master always seems to find his, or her, way back.

In a video, Gomez announces her return from the Doctor Who set in Cardiff: "I'm positively dying to see the Doctor again!"

This season will also see the return of Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, along with new guest stars Kelly Hunter, Clare Higgins and Jaye Griffiths.

The new season of Doctor Who airs this fall.