It’s official, BBC announced that when David Tennant, the present Doctor (Doctor Who) is done in October, he will regenerate into virtual unknown Matt Smith. In the last few months, there has been buzz about a female Doctor, or perhaps a Doctor not of European descent (I was pulling for Chiwetel Ejiofor). But, I suppose the BBC has not let us down yet.
This is from Walesonline…
MATT SMITH had been named as the new Doctor Who, becoming the youngest actor to play the Time Lord.
The 11th doctor was unveiled on the special edition of Doctor Who Confidential, broadcast last night.
Smith, 26, will appear on our screens in 2010. He was cast over Christmas and will begin filming for the fifth series of Doctor Who in the summer.
David Tennant, 37, announced in October that he would be stepping down from his role as the Doctor at the end of 2009, and will this year film four specials.
The shock casting even surprised Torchwood actor Gareth David-Lloyd, who attended the National Youth Theatre in London with Smith six years ago.
David-Lloyd, who plays Ianto in the hit sci-fi show, told Wales on Sunday: “I think it’s a slightly different direction for Doctor Who to take, but I think it’s the right one.
“I found out it was Matt at the same time as everyone else and I was shocked. I thought they’d go for someone older.”
Speaking of their days at the theatre he said: “I wasn’t close friends with him, he was a friend of friends and I met him a few times. He seemed a nice warm person and I think he’s got what it takes. I’m thrilled for him.”
After the announcement Smith said: “I feel proud and honoured to have been given this opportunity to join a team of people that has worked so tirelessly to make the show so thrilling.
“David Tennant has made the role his own, brilliantly, with grace, talent and persistent dedication. I hope to learn from the standards set by him.
“The challenge for me is to do justice to the show’s illustrious past, my predecessors and, most importantly, to those who watch it. I really cannot wait.”
Head of drama at BBC Wales Piers Wenger said he knew Smith was “the one” from when he very first auditioned.
“It was abundantly clear that he had that ‘Doctor-ness’ about him,” he said. “You are either the Doctor or you are not. It’s just the beginning of the journey for Matt.
“With Steven Moffat’s scripts and the expertise of the production team in Cardiff behind him, there is no one more perfect to be taking the Tardis to exciting new futures when the series returns in 2010.”
BBC Wales Controller Menna Richards said: “Matt Smith is an incredibly exciting actor who will bring his own brand of screen magic to Doctor Who.”
