It's official...The Twelfth Doctor is about to meet his newest companion, to be played by actress Pearl Mackie. The news was released this afternoon on the BBC One Match of the Day Live (MOTD Live), during halftime of the FA Cup semi-final between Everton and Manchester United.
A special two-minute trailer titled "Friend from the Future" revealed the announcement, with Mackie's character Bill getting a necessary recap on the Daleks.
The BBC's official website confirmed the news, saying filming for the next series of the long-running science fiction show will start this year but air in 2017.
The little-known Mackie has appeared in the film Svengali as Foh girl and on the television series Doctors as Anne-Marie Frasier. She graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 2010, and is currently performing in the National Theatre's West End production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.
Mackie commented on the casting, saying "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.
"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 pyrotechnics 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!"
Star Peter Capaldi also remarked, "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."
If you'd like to check out the two-minute trailer, you can view it below thanks to the official BBC America account on YouTube...