Pearl Mackie, a relative newcomer to TV acting, will join the “Doctor Who” cast as new companion to Peter Capaldi‘s Time Lord.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Doctor Who family,” Mackie said in a statement. “It’s such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn’t be prouder to call the TARDIS my home!”
Mackie’s casting was revealed on BBC One during half time of the FA Cup semi-final match Saturday.
“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,” she said, referring to her character. “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!” she added.
Co-star Capaldi said it was a “genuine delight” to welcome Mackie to the series, calling her a “fine, fine actress with a wonderful zest and charm.”
Doctor Who is a BBC Cymru Wales-produced drama and will return later this year with a Christmas Special. The new series will start on BBC One in 2017.