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Pearl Mackie becomes next Doctor Who companion

A relative unknown UK actress is about to be catapulted to stardom, via the TARDIS.

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UK actress Pearl Mackie has been revealed as the new companion on Doctor Who.

She plays the new character named Bill -perhaps a nod to original Doctor, William Hartnell.

Landing the role will skyrocket Mackie’s star, given she is a relative unknown on screen.

She appeared in one episode of BBC’s medical drama Doctors and studied at Bristol’s Old Vic Theatre School, recently performing with the National Theatre. She speaks French and Spanish and is skilled in Ballet, Jazz, Period Dance and Tap -and is a big fan of afros.

“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!”

Doctor Who will return later this year with a Christmas Special before the final season to be helmed by Steven Moffat in 2017. Chris Chibnall’s first season debuts in 2018.

7 Responses

  1. Last night ABC2 showed another repeat of the 1st part of a two-parter where the Doctor, David Tennant, get shot by a Dalek and the final scene shows him starting to regenerate. In an amazing juxtapositional time-shift, Peter Capaldi then appears on screen with his new companion in the trailer for the new series. Basically, the entire clip was about the Doctor failing to keep his female companion quiet in a dangerous situation. From David to Peter and Donna to Bill in one leap, 8 years in one second!.

    1. If you want talk about coincidences, Fires of Pompeii a David Tennant/Catherine Tate episode that guests stars Peter Capaldi and Karen Gillan future Doctor and future companion.

  2. Not that I’ve written on Facebook, but I for one am not quick to judge her on the basis of a 2 minute clip.

    I’m judging the likely character based on the history of NuWho, particularly the stretch with Moffat at the helm. I don’t think it bodes well.

    (Seriously, stop and look back on it now – people-eating wheelie bins, farting alien fatties, and terminal Big Brother pretty much _were_ the highlights of NuWho. It’s been all downhill since then…)

  3. I just love how people on the Doctor Who Facebook are quick to judge her on the basis of a 2minute clip. This is why people can’t have nice things.

  6. Looking forward to seeing how she develops. Looks like she could be a good starting point for newbies to learn about Doctor Who from.

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