Karen Gillan to play Doctor Who’s assistant

A virtually unknown actress as been picked to partner new Time Lord Matt Smith in the latest series of Doctor Who, to be broadcast later this year. Karen Gillan, 21, will play the Doctor's assistant in the BBC's prime-time sci-fi drama.

It is thought Gillan, who played a Roman soothsayer in an episode in the last series of Doctor Who, was chosen so as not to overshadow Smith - the youngest Doctor ever - in his first season as David Tennant's replacement.

Writer and executive producer Steven Moffat told the BBC that Gillan is funny, clever, gorgeous and sexy: "A generation of little girls will want to be her. And a generation of little boys will want them to be her, too."

Gillan, an alumnus of London's Italia Conti drama school, has appeared in Scottish detective drama Rebus and Channel 4 fashion drama Stacked. She will also appear in British horror film Outcast, which is in production.

Her new part in Doctor Who, playing a role held in recent years by high-profile actresses Billie Piper, Kylie Minogue, Catherine Tate and Freema Agyeman, represents her big break.

After her unveiling, Gillan said: "I am absolutely over the moon at being chosen to play the Doctor's new companion - I just can't wait to get started. The show is such a massive phenomenon that I can't quite believe I am going to be a part of it."