Pearl Mackie has been revealed as the new Doctor Who companion and will be accompanying Peter Capaldi in the TARDIS. Mackie will be portraying Bill.

This reveal was aired on BBC One during the half time at the FA Cup semi-final match between Everton and Manchester United.

Mackie will replace Jenna Coleman, who left the role of Clara Oswald last year.

At the end of the last series, Clara and immortal Ashildr (played by Game of Thrones’s Maisie Williams) were seen flying off in their own Tardis with the Doctor’s memory of his companion partially wiped.

On joining the cast in her first major television role, Pearl 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. 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 pyro technics 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!”

Peter 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.”

Steven Moffat, Lead Writer and Executive Producer adds:

“A new face in the TARDIS, a new voyage about to begin: welcome aboard the amazing Pearl Mackie! This is where the story really starts.”

Charlotte Moore, Acting Director of Television said:

“It’s so exciting to be revealing the much anticipated new companion to the nation in such spectacular style. Pearl brings a wonderful energy and lights up the screen. She will captivate Doctor Who fans old and new across the globe.”

Brian Minchin, Executive Producer adds:

“We’re utterly thrilled to have the hugely talented Pearl join Doctor Who and I can’t wait to begin her new adventures in time and space!”

After airing exclusively on BBC One, the Doctor Who trailer, Friend from the Future, can be seen on BBC iPlayer www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p03rw6hh

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.