Who is the New Companion: Karen Gillan Cast Opposite Matt Smith in Season Five of "Doctor Who"
The TARDIS is about to get another traveler.21-year-old unknown Karen Gillan has been cast in Season Five of Doctor Who, where she will star alongside incoming series lead Matt Smith, who replaces David Tennant as the Doctor when Tennant departs the series later this year.
Filming on Season Five of Doctor Who is set to begin this summer and the series is expected to debut on BBC One next spring.
Gillan is no stranger to Doctor Who, however, and appeared early on in Season Four in the episode "The Fires of Pompeii," where she played a soothsayer on the much-beloved British series. She has previously also appeared in such programs as Rebus, Harley Street, The Kevin Bishop Show, and Stacked and can be seen opposite James Nesbitt in the upcoming feature film Outcast, written and directed by Colm McCarthy.
"We saw some amazing actresses for this part, but when Karen came through the door the game was up. Funny, and clever, and gorgeous, and sexy. Or Scottish, which is the quick way of saying it," said Season Five's lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat in a statement. "A generation of little girls will want to be her. And a generation of little boys will want them to be her too."
"I am absolutely over the moon at being chosen to play the Doctor's new companion. The show is such a massive phenomenon that I can't quite believe I am going to be a part of it," said Gillan in a statement. "Matt Smith is an incredible actor and it is going to be so much fun to act alongside him – I just can't wait to get started!"
The full press release from BBC One, announcing the casting of Gillan on Season Five of Doctor Who, can be found below.
The BBC today revealed that the companion for the forthcoming series of Doctor Who will be Karen Gillan.
Twenty-one-year-old Gillan will star alongside new Time Lord, Matt Smith, when the smash hit drama returns to BBC One in spring 2010.
With filming due to begin this summer, Gillan beat off dozens of hopefuls to land one of television's most coveted roles.
Gillan said: "I am absolutely over the moon at being chosen to play the Doctor's new companion. The show is such a massive phenomenon that I can't quite believe I am going to be a part of it.
"Matt Smith is an incredible actor and it is going to be so much fun to act alongside him – I just can't wait to get started!"
Lead writer and Executive Producer, Steven Moffat, added: "We saw some amazing actresses for this part, but when Karen came through the door the game was up. Funny, and clever, and gorgeous, and sexy. Or Scottish, which is the quick way of saying it. A generation of little girls will want to be her. And a generation of little boys will want them to be her too."
Executive Producer and Head of Drama BBC Wales, Piers Wenger, said: "We knew Karen was perfect for the role the moment we saw her. She brought an energy and excitement to the part that was just fantastic. And when she auditioned alongside Matt we knew we had something special. It is a partnership that is ready to take on the universe!"
The new series of Doctor Who comes to BBC One, Spring 2010.
Season Five of Doctor Who, starring Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, will launch in 2010.