Who's that girl? West End star Pearl Mackie is unveiled as the new Doctor Who companion

By Sarah Tetteh For Mailonline

Published: 13:13 EST, 23 April 2016 | Updated: 22:06 EST, 23 April 2016

Jenna Coleman revealed she was quitting Doctor Who last year.

And it has now been confirmed that West End star Pearl Mackie will next be joining Peter Capaldi in the TARDIS, jumping on board as the Doctor's brand new companion for the upcoming series of the sci-fi show.

The 28-year-old's role was announced on BBC One during half time of the FA Cup semi-final match between Everton and Manchester United on Saturday.

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New companion: Pearl Mackie, 28, was named as Time Lord Peter Capaldi's new sidekick in a special announcement on Saturday

New companion: Pearl Mackie, 28, was named as Time Lord Peter Capaldi's new sidekick in a special announcement on Saturday

Pearl is currently lighting up the London stage in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.

Pearl, who described her character Bill as 'wicked', replaces Jenna's sidekick Clara Oswald, a regular on the show for the past three years.

Filming for the next series of the long-running programme will start this year, but is scheduled to air in 2017.

Pearl graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 2010, and her past roles have included playing Anne-Marie Frasier in medical soap Doctors in 2014.

He's on board! Peter, 58, praised his new co-star, who he says will be a 'refreshing addition to the TARDIS'

He's on board! Peter, 58, praised his new co-star, who he says will be a 'refreshing addition to the TARDIS'

Fresh blood: Mackie said her new character Bill was 'wicked', describing her as 'cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in'

Fresh blood: Mackie said her new character Bill was 'wicked', describing her as 'cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in'

'I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Doctor Who family,' she said. 'It's such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn't be prouder to call the TARDIS my home.'

She added: '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.'

Mackie said her new character 'Bill' was 'wicked', describing her as 'cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in'.

New chapter: Filming for the next series of Doctor Who will take place later this year, but is scheduled for a 2017 air date

New chapter: Filming for the next series of Doctor Who will take place later this year, but is scheduled for a 2017 air date

Bowing out: Jenna Coleman was written out of the show last year after three years playing companion Clara Oswald 

Bowing out: Jenna Coleman was written out of the show last year after three years playing companion Clara Oswald 

And Peter praised his new co-star, who he says will be a 'refreshing addition to the TARDIS'.

He 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.' 

Meanwhile, the programme is set for a huge shake-up next year when current producer Steven Moffat hands over the production reins to the new show runner Chris Chibnall. 

However, Steven welcomed Pearl to the show and can't wait to begin the 'new voyage' with her on board.

Big reveal: Bristol OId Vic graduate Pearl's role was announced on BBC One during half time of the FA Cup semi-final match between Everton and Manchester United

Big reveal: Bristol OId Vic graduate Pearl's role was announced on BBC One during half time of the FA Cup semi-final match between Everton and Manchester United

He commented: '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.'

Doctor Who will return later this year with a Christmas Special and the new series will start on BBC One in 2017.

The series, which was introduced in 1963, is heading into its tenth season since it was reintroduced in 2005 after a nine-year gap.

The coveted role of the Doctor's companion has been played by Billie Piper, Freema Agyeman, Catherine Tate, Karen Gillan and Jenna since the reboot.

Coleman appeared alongside two Doctors; the twelfth incarnation of the Time Lord, Capaldi, and his predecessor, Matt Smith.

She asked to be written out of the show in order to play a young Queen Victoria in an upcoming ITV drama.

Coveted role: TheDoctor's companion has been played by Billie Piper (pictured with David Tennant), Freema Agyeman, Catherine Tate, Karen Gillan and Jenna since the reboot

Coveted role: TheDoctor's companion has been played by Billie Piper (pictured with David Tennant), Freema Agyeman, Catherine Tate, Karen Gillan and Jenna since the reboot

Still going strong: The series, which was introduced in 1963, is heading into its tenth season since it was reintroduced in 2005 after a nine-year gap. Pictured are quirky duo Karen Gillan and Matt Smith

Still going strong: The series, which was introduced in 1963, is heading into its tenth season since it was reintroduced in 2005 after a nine-year gap. Pictured are quirky duo Karen Gillan and Matt Smith

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