Doctor Who officially has a new companion: Pearl Mackie.

Don't know her? That's not surprising.

The actress does not have a huge list of TV credits to her name aside from a role on BBC1's Doctors. Most of her experience comes from stage roles, including one in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.

“I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Doctor Who family," Mackie said in a statement. "It's such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn't be prouder to call the TARDIS my home!"

Mackie's new companion is a character named Bill, who Mackie described as "wicked" and "fantastically written, cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in."

She was officially introduced in the video above, which aired during half time the FA Cup semi-final.

"I can't wait to bring her to life, and to see how she develops through the series," she said.

Peter Capaldi added: “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.”



The announcement of Mackie's casting comes about seven months after Jenna Coleman announced she'd be leaving the series after just three seasons.

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

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