LONDON (AFP) — The BBC named Matt Smith as the new Doctor Who on Saturday, with the relatively unknown 26-year-old becoming the youngest ever actor to play the Time Lord in the cult sci-fi television drama.
Smith has previously appeared in Alan Bennett's play "The History Boys" at the National Theatre in London, and alongside Christian Slater in the play "Swimming With Sharks". He has also acted in several TV productions.
He said he was delighted to take on the role as the 11th doctor, replacing David Tennant when the series returns to the small screen in 2010.
"I've got this wonderful journey in front of me. I've got six months to build this Time Lord and that's such an exciting prospect," 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."
He paid tribute to Tennant's performance in the role, which was created in 1963, saying he played the Time Lord "brilliantly, with grace, talent and persistent dedication".
"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," Smith said.
Rumours about the next occupant of the Tardis were rife before the announcement in a special TV programme, with some even suggesting Hollywood superstar Catherine Zeta Jones could be in the running.
BBC Wales' head of drama, Piers Wenger, said it had been a "nail-biting Christmas" trying to keep the identity of the new doctor under wraps, but said he hoped he would "bring something very special to the role".
The show's outgoing executive producer, Russell T Davies, outlined what would be expected of the new arrival: "Whoever becomes the doctor has got to take on a whole life. It's not just becoming a part of a TV show."
Tennant's final shows as the doctor are expected to be shown at the beginning of next year.
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