New Doctor Who assistant unveiled

Doctor Who's latest assistant has been named as relatively unknown actress Karen Gillan.

The 21-year-old will appear alongside new Doctor Who Matt Smith in the next series, due to be broadcast next year.

Miss Gillan has already appeared in Doctor Who, previously playing a Soothsayer in The Fires Of Pompeii episode.

And the young actress is ecstatic to be involved in the show. She said: "I am absolutely over the moon at being chosen to play the Doctor's new companion. - I just can't wait to get started," she said.

"The show is such a massive phenomenon that I can't quite believe I am going to be a part of it. Matt Smith is an incredible actor and it is going to be so much fun to act alongside him."

Gillan is no stranger to the screen, having landed her first role in the Scottish drama Rebus.

She has since been in Channel 4's Stacked, The Kevin Bishop Show and James Nesbitt's forthcoming film Outcast.

She studied acting at Edinburgh's Telford College before securing a place at the Italia Conti drama school in London.

Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat said she will be fantsatic. He said: "A generation of little girls will want to be her. And a generation of little boys will want them to be her too."

Piers Wenger, the executive producer and head of drama, BBC Wales, said: "We knew Karen was perfect for the role the moment we saw her.

"She brought an energy and excitement to the part that was just fantastic.

"And when she auditioned alongside Matt we knew we had something special.

"It is a partnership that is ready to take on the universe."