Doctor Who is human after all: Matt Smith clutches hot water bottle to keeps warm during filming

When he bursts onto screens in the new series of Doctor Who, actor Matt Smith will play a seemingly invincible alien lifeform.

But in reality he is just as susceptible to the cold as anyone else, and needed a hot water bottle to keep warm as he filmed scenes on a chilly Welsh beach today.

The 26-year-old actor and the doctor's assistant Karen Gillan, 21, were spotted wrapped up in padded coats on location near Cardiff as they filmed their first scenes together.

Keeping warm: The new Doctor Who, Matt Smith, and his companion try to shake off the chills with huge coats and hot water bottles

Freezing: The cold weather has changed Matt's hands red A sneak peek of the new show, which won't be broadcast on BBC until 2010, gives fans a chance to see the Doctor's new costume. While departing Doctor David Tennant normally wore a plain brown suit with a long trenchcoat, Matt's uniform is more retro and slightly Science teacher-esque. The new Doctor's costume is a brown tweed jacket with tweed elbow patches, bow tie, rolled up trousers and black boots.

Karen, who plays Amy Pond, looked more modern in a baggy green jumper, grey tights and Converse baseball boots.

New cast: Matt Smith (right) and Karen Gillan go through their lines on the location of Doctor Who in Cardiff, Wales

Getting to know you: Karen and Matt chat outside the tardis

Matt and Karen began filming the new series this week, and it will be broadcast on BBC1 next Spring.

Arriving on set, Matt enthused: 'I feel very privileged and proud to be part of this iconic show.

'The scripts are brilliant - I'm excited about the future and all the brilliant adventures I get to go on as the Doctor.'

The show's new writer Stephen Moffatt, who is taking over from Russell T. Davies, is equally enthusiastic.

Science teacher chic: The new doctor wears a tweed jacket, rose-coloured shift and rolled-up trousers

He said: 'Matt and Karen are going to be incredible, and Doctor Who is going to come alive on Saturday nights in a whole new way.'

Departing David filmed his last scenes of Doctor Who in May, where he was reunited with former assistant Billie Piper, as well as his current helper Catherine Tate.

His final two episodes will be broadcast at Christmas, with viewers seeing David regenerate into Matt.

Departing: David Tennant and Catherine Tate will leave the show at Christmas

Matt was announced as the 11th Doctor in January after David announced his decision to depart.

The Northampton-born actor has signed a £600,000 three-year deal, nearly half the amount of David's £1million deal.

Scottish actress Karen was only unveiled as his new companion in May, amid reports ex-EastEnder Michelle Ryan and model Kelly Brook may take the coveted role.

Karen has featured in ITV’s Rebus and hospital drama Harley Street, as well as Channel 4 comedy The Kevin Bishop Show.

The young actress, who is 5ft 11in, has also modelled for designer Allegra Hicks at London Fashion Week.

She briefly appeared in Doctor Who in 2008 appearing as a soothsayer in the episode entitled The Fires of Pompeii.