Pearl Mackie revealed as new Doctor Who companion

Pearl Mackie has been revealed as the new Doctor Who sidekick Credit: Doctor Who Official/BBC

Actress Pearl Mackie has been revealed as the Doctor Who's new companion.

Mackie, who is set to play the character 'Bill', will join Peter Capaldi in the long-running time-travelling drama following the departure of actress Jenna Coleman at the end of the last series.

The former Doctors actress is currently performing in the National Theatre's production of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time but will be soon be swapping the West End stage for the Tardis.

Her unveiling as the Doctor's new sidekick, in a hotly anticipated teaser clip that was aired during the FA Cup semi-final half-time break, brings to an end the speculation surrounding who would take-over.

Watch the teaser clip here.

Mackie said she was "incredibly excited" to be taking up the mantle of the timelord's companion.

She said: "It's such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn't be prouder to call the Tardis my home."