The BBC has announced that Pearl Mackie (Doctors) has joined the cast of Doctor Who for the next series, taking over from Jenna Coleman’s Clara Oswald as Bill, the new companion to Peter Capaldi’s Doctor.
“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. 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.”
“It is a genuine delight to welcome Pearl Mackie to Doctor Who,” adds Peter Capaldi. “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.”
Via the official Twitter account, here’s a scene from a future episode introducing Bill as she and the Doctor face the Daleks…
Introducing…
The #NewCompanion!!!#DoctorWhohttps://t.co/rkuSXbGbZb— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) April 23, 2016
Filming on the new series of Doctor Who will get underway this year, although it won’t air until 2017.
Originally published April 23, 2016. Updated October 29, 2022.
