The Doctor’s new companion has been revealed for Doctor Who

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

The latest companion for the Doctor has been revealed for the return of Doctor Who later this year.

***SPOILERS BELOW***

The Doctor’s new companion has been revealed for Doctor Who

Pearl Mackie, who will play Bill, Peter Capaldi’s Doctor’s latest companion was announced by the BBC today.

Bill will feature as the Doctor’s companion in the upcoming tenth season, and in a Christmas Special later on in 2016.

Jenna Coleman, who played the previous companion Clara Oswald in the series, but left the show earlier this year.

Steven Moffat will exit the show after the tenth season. He has been the executive producer and head writer since 2010.

“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!” Mackie said in a statement Saturday.

“Peter Capaldi is such a brilliant actor, and his Doctor is such a wacky and wonderful character, I can’t wait to see what adventures are in store for him and Bill throughout time and space. Reading the script at the audition 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.”

The Doctor’s new companion has been revealed for Doctor Who

“It is a genuine delight to welcome Pearl Mackie to Doctor Who,” Capaldi said. “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.”

In an episode that aired in 2014, the series featured its first lesbian kiss between Silurian lizard-woman Madame Vastra (Neve McIntosh) and her human wife Jenny Flint (Catrin Stewart).

The moment was deemed too controversial for audiences in Asia – with the kiss censored from broadcasts on the continent.

A report released by the BBC previously showed that three viewers had taken up formal complaints against the series for promoting a “homosexual agenda”, while the BBC as a whole was accused of “pro-gay bias”.

Check the trailer out below: