Pearl Mackie Is Doctor Who’s New Assistant - But Who Is She?

The wait is over. Last night Pearl Mackie was named as Doctor Who’s new assistant, Bill, taking over from Jenna Coleman.

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Pearl, who will hit screens for the 10th series, was announced during the FA Cup semi-final match. There was even an exciting trailer which showed her and Peter Capaldi tackling a Dalek.

Theatre goers might know Pearl already. She’s best known for her role in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, but her new role is her first major TV break.

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Still a relative newcomer to the acting industry, Pearl grew up in Brixton, South London and graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She’s had a role in Doctors and has also starred in a film, Svengali, alongside Martin Freeman.

Pearl said of her casting: “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.

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“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!”

BBC

New co-star, Peter Capaldi, added. “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.”

You’ll be able to catch Pearl on-screen as Bill next year. ‘Citing.