Doctor Who: Pearl Mackie set as new companion

Someone new is joining Peter Capaldi in Doctor Who’s TARDIS.

BBC America announced Saturday that Pearl Mackie will play the Doctor’s latest companion, Bill, in the show’s upcoming 10th season.

Mackie replaces Jenna Coleman, who exited the series at the end of last season (and will be seen next in the British royal drama Victoria, playing the titular queen). Season 10 will also be the last for head writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, who has been with Doctor Who since 2010.

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“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!” Mackie said in a statement 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. 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.”

“It is a genuine delight to welcome Pearl Mackie to Doctor Who,” Capaldi said. “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.”

The show had been teasing an announcement in recent days on Twitter, including a post showing two pairs of shoes outside the TARDIS.

Doctor Who will return later this year for a Christmas special before continuing its run in 2017. See Capaldi and Mackie in action in the video above.