FIRST LOOK: Doctor Who’s new companion Pearl Mackie starts filming!

Pearl Mackie on her first day filming Doctor Who
Pearl Mackie on her first day filming Doctor Who (Image credit: Simon Ridgway)

The team behind BBC1 sci-fi series Doctor Who has just released a first picture of new companion Pearl Mackie on her first day filming and as expected Pearl looks like she’s really enjoying herself...

The Doctor was given a new companion, Bill, earlier this year and it surprised many that the honour was given to a relative newcomer such as Pearl Mackie.

Peter Capaldi, who’s played The Doctor since 2013, said of his companion: “It’s 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.”

Pearl’s pretty enamoured of Peter, too: “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! 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!”

Steven Moffat, Lead Writer and Executive Producer, added: “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.”

Brian Minchin, Executive Producer, said: “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!”

Charlotte Moore, BBC 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.”

Pearl’s adventures with the Doctor will begin when the next series of Doctor Who starts early in 2017.

 

Nicholas Cannon
TV Content Director on TV Times, What's On TV and TV & Satellite Week

I'm a huge fan of television so I really have found the perfect job, as I've been writing about TV shows, films and interviewing major television, film and sports stars for over 25 years. I'm currently TV Content Director on What's On TV, TV Times, TV and Satellite Week magazines plus Whattowatch.com. I previously worked on Woman and Woman's Own in the 1990s. Outside of work I swim every morning, support Charlton Athletic football club and get nostalgic about TV shows Cagney & Lacey, I Claudius, Dallas and Tenko. I'm totally on top of everything good coming up too.