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ACTING legend Patrick Stewart is to make a giant leap across space — from Star Trek to Doctor Who.

He has agreed to a major role in the Time Lord’s next series after teaming up with the Doctor (David Tennant) on stage.

The pair starred in a production of Hamlet in the summer. Patrick — Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek — has been offered a role in a two-parter involving the Daleks, set to be screened next year.

The new series will also see the return of classic alien enemies the Ice Warriors and the Zygons. Patrick, 68, is a big Doctor Who admirer and has spoken in the past of his desire to star in the show.

He said: I have been a fan, actually yes, and I’m deeply dismayed that I was never asked to be in it. I think it’s a terrific series. A source said: Patrick and David are firm friends now, and want to work together again. They’ve got chemistry and that’s what Doctor Who is all about.

Patrick’s role is still being finalised but the plan is for him to play a renegade Time Lord called the Meddling Monk, who was last seen in Doctor Who in the 1960s. The Doctor thought his entire race was wiped out and gets a huge surprise to find another member of his species.

The Monk was originally played by Carry On film favourite Peter Butterworth. Our insider added: Patrick’s agent is now involved and everyone is really keen. His role is a belter.