Spotlight on Matt Smith

Matt Smith will be replacing David Tennant as the new doctor. Find out more about him below.

Name:  Matt Smith 
Hometown: Northampton
Age: 26
TV debut: Philip Pullman's The Ruby in the Smoke with Doctor Who star Billie Piper
Memorable TV moments:  In 2007, he had a leading role in BBC Two's political drama Party Animals, in which he played a parliamentary researcher.
Quote: "The challenge for me is to do justice to the show's illustrious past, my predecessors, and most importantly, to those who watch it. I really cannot wait."

Ten things you didn't know about Matt Smith:

1. Matt is the youngest actor to play the title character.

2. His West End debut was in Swimming With Sharks opposite Christian Slater.

3. He has acted opposite Doctor Who actress Billie Piper in The Ruby in the Smoke, The Shadow in the North, and in ITV2's Secret Diary of a Call Girl

4. Matt studied drama and creative writing at the University of East Anglia.

5. Originally Matt wanted to become a footballer but a back injury prevented him from persuing his dream.

6.  Matt's work with the National Youth Theatre got him his first agent.

7. Played the role of Lockwood in Alan Bennett's The History Boys.

8. David Tennant has told Matt his life is about to change in so many ways by becoming to the doctor.

9. In 2008 he played opposite Lindsay Duncan in That Face at London's Duke of York's Theatre.

10. Matt cannot wait to play the doctor and hopes he can do the part justice.