Doctor Who fans may be fretting about the sci-fi show's break from our screens this year, but the BBC has already began its PR blitz for the next series by unveiling the Time Lord's new companion.

Step forward (or should that be run away from the Daleks?) Pearl Mackie, who is expected to make her debut as the Doctor's sidekick on this year's Christmas special.

Mackie's character name is Bill, and—based on a short introductory clip—appears to be a straight-talking ("wouldn't it be quicker just to say 'kill'?"), and cheeky ("it's got a sucker on it") Londoner for the tenth season of the rebooted show.

“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!," said Mackie, who is best known for appearing in the stage version of The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night Time.

She added: "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."

Filming of the next series of Doctor Who starts in May, but—aside from the Xmas special—it won't be aired until spring 2017.

In January, current Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat confirmed that he would leave the popular sci-fi drama after season 10. Chris Chibnall—the creator of ITV's gripping whodunnit, Broadchurch—will take over at the start of season 11. And Peter Capaldi has since said that he has been asked to stay on as the Doctor after Moffat's exit.

But will he continue in the role? Capaldi told the Radio Times magazine: "I don't know. I have to make up my mind. I haven't yet."