After months of speculation and debate, the BBC have announced today that Scottish actress Karen Gillan will be the 'companion' in Series 5 of Doctor Who.

Gillan is no stranger to the world of The Doctor as she previously appeared as a 'Soothsayer' in last year's episode, The Fires Of Pompeii. On the prospect of joining Matt Smith the twenty-one year old said, "I am absolutely over the moon at being chosen to play the Doctor's new companion. 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 – I just can't wait to get started!"

Incoming showrunner Steven Moffat stated: "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."

Executive Producer and Head of Drama BBC Wales, Piers Wenger added: "when she auditioned alongside Matt we knew we had something special. It is a partnership that is ready to take on the universe!"

Series 5 of Doctor Who is due to be broadcast in Spring 2010 with filming beginning next month.