NEW Doctor Who companion Pearl Mackie brought out the best in Peter Capaldi during her audition for the role of Bill, it would seem.

The rising star, who was unveiled on Saturday as the official replacement for Jenna Coleman on the sci-fi programme, was one of around 50 actresses who were tried out for the job, casting director Andy Pryor has explained.

“There was a chemistry that felt fresh and new and different to Peter’s relationship with Jenna,” he told the Royal Television Society.

“You could see Peter [Capaldi] fizzing with ideas in that audition reading and in the clip that was ultimately produced with the announcement.”

The scene which accompanied the announcement showed Bill and the Doctor running away from Daleks, and it seems that scene may have been specifically written by Steven Moffat for the auditions.

“What people saw in the announcement [on BBC One] was one of the audition scenes originally,” Andy revealed.

“I think Pearl grabbed those scenes and did something really exciting with them. In those intensive auditions what you’re looking for is something startling and new and somebody who going to bring idea to the part.

“She just stood out and did a fantastic job.”
Pearl herself said in a statement when the news was announced: “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.

“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.”

Doctor Who returns to BBC One later this year for a Christmas special.