Newcomer Pearl Mackie has been unveiled as the new assistant in BBC series ‘Doctor Who’. Mackie will play Bill, the companion of Peter Capaldi’s Doctor, with her first episodes set to air in spring 2017. The announcement was made yesterday, during the FA Cup semi-final match.

Speaking about the role Mackie said: “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. She’s 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.

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“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!” Mackie is a relative unknown to ‘Doctor Who’ fans and she is currently working on the West End stage in a production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

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After the announcement was made Capaldi said: "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.”

After fans flooded the actress with positive message on Saturday evening, Mackie tweeted: “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!”