BBC Names New Doctor Who Companion in Pearl Mackie

Jill Pantozzi | April 23rd, 2016

After teasing the reveal on social media, the BBC has revealed the new Doctor Who companion!

Welcome, Pearl Mackie!!

You may recall Rahkee Thakrar’s name was floated in early March as rumored for the big role. Mackie’s name hadn’t been but will replace Jenna Coleman on the long-running series as a character named Bill.

The actor said,“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!”

From the bio on her website:

Hailing from Brixton, South London, Pearl trained as an actor at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating in 2010. Since drama school she has worked across Theatre, Film, Television and Radio appearing at the RSC, The Park Theatre, The Finborough, for the BBC and on London’s West End. Pearl also performs as a singer.

And it looks like someone was psychic about the announcement. Doctor Who artist Rachael Stott just tweeted, “Well. I have spooked myself.”

I tweeted this like a month ago O_o pic.twitter.com/D3J3vEDr8A

— Don’t Stott Believin (@RachaelAtWork) April 23, 2016

.@JustPlainTweets Nope! @robbiegmorrison invented a character because Clara left the comics, and I just made up her appearence O_o

— Don’t Stott Believin (@RachaelAtWork) April 23, 2016

And here’s the official press release:

BBC AMERICA today announced Pearl Mackie will join the Doctor Who cast as The Doctor’s new companion. Pearl was exclusively revealed to audiences on BBC One during half time the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday 23rd August.

On joining the cast in her first major television role, Pearl said: “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 is a BBC Cymru Wales produced drama and will return later this year with a Christmas Special. The new series will start on BBC One in 2017.

First impressions, folks?