BBC America on Saturday revealed the next companion to play alongside Peter Capaldi in sci-fi fantasy series Doctor Who: Bill, played by Pearl Mackie. Here is a video promo. The show will return with a Christmas special this year and the new season will start on BBC One in the United Kingdom in 2017, the network said. 

Mackie said in a release: “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. 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. I always loved stage combat at drama school so I can't wait to get on set and kick some evil monsters into the next dimension! 

"Shooting the trailer was absolutely mental, there were pyro technics and smoke and I met my first Dalek! I'm not sure it will ever become ‘the norm’ seeing crazy monsters on set, but I cannot wait to meet some more! The weirder the better, bring it on!”

The Doctor's previous companion, Clara Oswald, was played by Jenna Coleman, who departed after the most recent series.

Said Capaldi, who now has two seasons as The 12th Doctor under his belt, joining with the show's 50th anniversary: “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.”

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer: “A new face in the TARDIS, a new voyage about to begin: welcome aboard the amazing Pearl Mackie! This is where the story really starts.”

Charlotte Moore, BBC One's acting director of television said: “It's so exciting to be revealing the much anticipated new companion to the nation in such spectacular style. Pearl brings a wonderful energy and lights up the screen. She will captivate Doctor Who fans old and new across the globe.”

Executive producer Brian Minchin: “We’re utterly thrilled to have the hugely talented Pearl join Doctor Who and I can't wait to begin her new adventures in time and space!