[Tom4784]

New 'Doctor Who' companion announced
Friday, May 29 2009, 13:06 BST

By Neil Wilkes, Editor


21-year-old Karen Gillan has been named as the new companion for series five of Doctor Who.

The Scottish actress will star alongside Matt Smith, who takes over from David Tennant as The Doctor in series five of the long-running cult show.

"I am absolutely over the moon at being chosen to play the Doctor's new companion," said Gillan. "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!"

Gillan previously appeared in Who as a soothsayer in the series four episode 'The Fires of Pompeii'. Her other credits include The Kevin Bishop Show, Rebus and Stacked.

Of Gillan's casting, new executive producer Steven Moffat said: "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."

Rumoured contenders for the role of Matt Smith's assistant had included Lily Allen, Kelly Brook, Georgia Moffett and Skins star Hannah Murray.

Filming on the new series will begin in July for transmission around Easter 2010. Tennant's final episodes will air this Christmas.

Link to the article and picture: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a15...announced.html

[Sod_James]

she looks really young.

[Lewis.]

Cool

[Fom]

Glad it is someone new and not someone already famous, it is a great stepping stone to success. All assistants so far have had good careers afterwards (Minus Tate but she already had one)

[monkeyking87]

2 general unknowns?

Not sure if thats a good idea. 1 and 1 would of been better but by now the show has its loyal fanbase they dont need heavy hitters to bring in the audience I spose.

[Tom4784]

I think it's an interesting direction, You can guarantee that at least the first episode of the new series will do very well since there's gonna be intrigue around Matt Smith. I just hope that the writers realise there's other places in the UK except Cardiff and London.