New era...New Doctor....

The Eleventh Doctor - Matt Smith

Last night, fans of 'Doctor Who' got to see 'who' is going to take over from David Tennant. He's 26, is called Matt Smith, and has the right look for the character. Previously, my hopes had been pinned on the producers considering Robert Webb, but I can easily see why he was chosen. Just like his predecessors, Smith has that alien quality, particularly in the eyes. Moffatt's view of what attributes are needed to secure such a sought-after role has been justified by the casting of this little-known actor. Tom Baker was once a barely-known character actor, who had never been in a leading role in either film or television, and yet he ended up playing The Doctor for seven years. I think Smith will make the role his own, just as the past ten actors endeavoured to do.

As for the new female companion, no official announcement regarding the casting has occurred, but here is my choice - Rachel Shenton.

She can do comedy...

.... and she can do drama.

Like Matt Smith, Shenton isn't a household name, which means they aren't bringing the weight of established stardom to the programme, which will help it to survive until the day that The Doctor reaches the end of his thirteen lives, or even - dare I say it - beyond that point. Having seen her showreel piece 'Casey', I am convinced that she has the talent to make viewers invest emotionally in her performance. I only hope that she is considered for such a role. It would open significant doors for her in her acting career.