CONFIRMED: Pearl Mackie Is The New Doctor Who Companion

Today we got the news that we had all been waiting for. Confirmation of the new Doctor Who companion: Pearl Mackie!

After months of wild speculation and feverish anticipation, the BBC have officially confirmed that Pearl Mackie will be joining Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor in the TARDIS for the upcoming tenth series of Doctor Who, which is set to start filming later this year and will be broadcast in Spring 2017. This will be Steven Moffat’s final series as showrunner before handing over to Chris Chiball for Series 11 onwards.

Rising performer Mackie is a relative newcomer to the acting world, with only a couple of previous on-screen credits to her name – notably, she starred as Anne-Marie Fisher in a 2014 episode of BBC drama Doctors and as a Foh girl in 2013 British film Svengali. However, she is no stranger to the world of theatre and has recently been wowing audiences on stage in the award-winning London West End production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, a part she will continue to play until June before filming on Doctor Who begins. As the bookies’ firm favourite for the role it’s no shock to see her hopping aboard the TARDIS, and we’re sure she’ll help to bring plenty of surprises and excitement into the new series.

Speaking about her first major television 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. 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.”

Announced in a two minute video “Friend From The Future” during half-time of tonight’s Match of the Day on BBC One, Mackie’s Bill was debuted to the world alongside the rebel Time Lord as they escaped from a Dalek. “Shooting the trailer was absolutely mental,” Mackie said, “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!”

It seems the current cast and crew are pleased with the choice of Mackie as well. Of his new co-star, 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!”

We would like to take this opportunity to wish Pearl good luck and every success in the future on Doctor Who.

Doctor Who will return in a Christmas Special later this year, followed by Series 10 in 2017. Stay tuned to Blogtor Who for more!