Doctor Who latest

New companion to replace Karen Gillan confirmed...

11:06 21 March 2012

Former Emmerdale actress Jenna-Louise Coleman will become Doctor Who's new companion in next series of the sci-fi show, it has been confirmed.

The 25-year-old will star alongside the 11th time lord, Matt Smith, to mark the "biggest year in the show's history", according to the BBC.

Jenna will replace current side-kick Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillan, who will bow out of the show later this year.

The actress, who will also appear in ITV1's new Titanic drama this month, said of her new role:

"I'm beyond excited, I can't wait to get cracking; working alongside Matt I know is going to be enormous fun and a huge adventure."

The Doctor is set to meet his new friend in a dramatic turn of events, as the programme builds towards its climactic 50th anniversary year.

Lead writer and Executive Producer, Steven Moffat, said of the casting:

"It always seems impossible when you start casting these parts, but when we saw Matt and Jenna together, we knew we had our girl.

"She's funny and clever and exactly mad enough to step on board the Tardis."

Series seven of Doctor Who is currently in production.