It's official! Doctor Who has found its New Companion. Meet Bill, as introduced in a video just released by The BBC. She is played by newcomer Pearl Mackie. The character will be introduced on Doctor Who Season 10, starring alongside the current Time Lord, Peter Capaldi, sometime next year.

Pearl Mackie replaces former Companion Jenna Coleman, who exited the series last season. Coleman took an early leave so she could star in the ITV drama series Victoria. She will be playing that show's eponymous Queen. At this time, Jenna Coleman is not scheduled to make an appearance in Doctor Who Season 10.

Pearl Mackie's Bill will first be introduced in the annual Christmas special coming this December. She will then become a full time member of the Doctor Who cast in 2017, with new episodes set to air in the States on BBC America. The role of Bill marks Pearl Mackie's first major TV role. She had this to say about winning the highly coveted part.

"I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Doctor Who family. It's such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn't be prouder to call the TARDIS my home!"

Aside from what we get to see in this first look video, not much is known about Bill at this time. Pearl Mackie did provide fans with some insight. She explains about the character.

"I thought Bill was wicked. Fantastically written, cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in - I can't wait to bring her to life, and to see how she develops through the series."

Bill will be the second Companion for Peter Capaldi's current version of the Time Lord. And the actor couldn't be more excited about this new cast addition. About Pearl Mackie joining the cast, he had this to say in an official statement.

"It is a genuine delight to welcome Pearl Mackie to Doctor Who. A fine, fine actress with a wonderful zest and charm, she's a refreshing addition to the TARDIS and will bring a universe of exciting new possibilities to The Doctor's adventures."

Pearl Mackie is currently starring in the National Theatre's West End stage production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. The actress hails from Brixton, South London and graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 2010. She previously appeared in smaller roles on Doctors and Svengali. Bill arrives just in time for head writer and executive producer Steven Moffat's last season of Doctor Who. You can watch Bill and the Time Lord in action in this first look video released by The BBC.