'Doctor Who' Season 10 Cast News: Pearl Mackie Is the Doctor's New Companion
The Doctor has a new companion.
On Saturday, April 23, the BBC announced during the BBC One Match of the Day Live half time that it has cast Pearl Mackie, a relatively unknown British actress, in the role of Bill, the latest companion for Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor. Mackie replaces Jenna Coleman, who played Clara Oswald and exited at the end of season 9. The new co-lead will join Capaldi in the long-running sci-fi program's upcoming season 10.
"I'm incredibly excited to be joining the 'Doctor Who' family," Mackie said about co-starring in the latest season of the cult favorite series (via The Hollywood Reporter). "It's such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn't be prouder to call the Tardis my home. 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!"
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Capaldi also released a statement about his co-lead's casting, saying (via Entertainment Weekly): "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."
Speculation about who will be the Doctor's new companion has been rife since Coleman left the show to take on the titular role in the PBS/ITV biographical drama "Victoria." The actress had been playing the role of Oswald since season 7, when Matt Smith was the Doctor.
The tenth season of "Doctor Who" marks some exciting transitions, with Mackie debuting as Bill and long-time showrunner Steven Moffat preparing to exit the series. When he departs at the end of season 10, Moffat will be replaced by "Broadchurch" creator Chris Chibnall.
The tenth season of "Doctor Who" is expected to begin shooting in May and will air in 2017.
