The BBC has revealed that the assistant for the next season of Doctor Who will be relative newcomer Karen Gillan. The 21 year-old actress will star alongside new Doctor Matt Smith when the TARDIS returns to BBC One in spring 2010.

Head writer and Executive Producer Steven Moffat declared, "We saw some amazing actresses for this part, but when Karen came through the door the game was up. Funny, and clever, and gorgeous, and sexy. Or Scottish, which is the quick way of saying it. A generation of little girls will want to be her. And a generation of little boys will want them to be her too."

According to Executive Producer and Head of Drama BBC Wales Piers Wenger, "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."

The role in Doctor Who is her first high-profile part to date.

Gillan said she is excited to become part of the "massive phenomenon" that is Doctor Who by playing the partner of the newest time lord, actor Matt Smith, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

"I am absolutely over the moon at being chosen to play the doctor's new companion," Gillan said.

"The show is such a massive phenomenon that I can't quite believe I am going to be a part of it."

Karen Gillan follows in the footsteps of former companions including Billie Piper, Freema Agyeman and Catherine Tate who all won millions of fans and showed that the role remains one of the biggest in television. But Piers Wenger is raring to go with Matt Smith and the Doctor's fantastic new companion, declaring, "It is a partnership that is ready to take on the Universe!"