It's official! Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi has a new companion - meet TV newcomer Pearl Mackie.
Announced in rather unlikely fashion during half-time on Match of the Day's live FA Cup semi-final special, of all places - her character Bill succeeds Jenna Coleman's Clara, after she quit the show for the title role in ITV's new royal period drama Victoria.
The identity of Capaldi's new co-star had been closely guarded, but rumours that Mackie could be joining The Doctor on his travels through time and space really gathered pace when bookies' odds on her joining the show shortened dramatically just a couple of days ago.
Mackie is currently appearing in the National Theatre's production The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and earlier this month she and her castmates were photographed alongside Capaldi when he went to watch the hit West End play.
The new star's credits include Years & Years' music video for 'Real', which also stars Ben Whishaw and Tuppence Middleton.
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Her only other BBC TV credit to date is a guest appearance in Doctors. Since graduating from the highly-regarded Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, the south Londoner has worked across film, TV and radio - but most predominantly in theatre, from the RSC to the West End.
Mackie - who already does a pretty ace impression of a Dalek - said of her new role: " I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Doctor Who family. It's such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn't be prouder to call the TARDIS my home!
"Peter Capaldi is such a brilliant actor, and his Doctor is such a wacky and wonderful character, I can't wait to see what adventures are in store for him and Bill throughout time and space.
"Reading the script at the audition I thought Bill was wicked. Fantastically written, cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in - I can't wait to bring her to life, and to see how she develops through the series.
She added: "I always loved stage combat at drama school so I can't wait to get on set and kick some evil monsters into the next dimension!
"Shooting the trailer was absolutely mental, there were pyro technics and smoke and I met my first Dalek! I'm not sure it will ever become 'the norm' seeing crazy monsters on set, but I cannot wait to meet some more! The weirder the better, bring it on!"
Mackie also later shared her excitement at her new role on Twitter after the announcement, saying: "I'm so excited to be the next companion on Doctor Who! Can't wait to join the family! Thank you for all the lovely messages!"
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Peter Capaldi said of his new companion: " It is a genuine delight to welcome Pearl Mackie to Doctor Who. A fine, fine actress with a wonderful zest and charm, she's a refreshing addition to the TARDIS and will bring a universe of exciting new possibilities to The Doctor's adventures ."
Outgoing showrunner Steven Moffat added: " A new face in the TARDIS, a new voyage about to begin: welcome aboard the amazing Pearl Mackie! This is where the story really starts. "
Doctor Who series 10 debuts next year following a standalone Christmas special and will also be the last with Steven Moffat as showrunner - he hands over the controls of the TARDIS to Broadchurch's Chris Chibnall in 2018.
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