Doctor Who news: Matt Smith is the Eleventh Doctor. The 26-year-old British actor, who previously appeared with former Who companion Billie Piper in two telefilms based on Philip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart novels and an episode of The Secret Diary of a Call Girl, will be the youngest actor to portray the Doctor. He’ll appear in the final David Tennant special in early 2010 for a regeneration scene, followed by taking over fulltime in the fifth season later in the year.

I had really hoped that Paterson Joseph would get the role. New showrunner Steven Moffat and BBC Wales’ Head of Drama Piers Wenger obviously believe that Smith’s the right choice, and I’ll trust their judgment for now. Wenger is quoted as knowing Smith “was the one" as soon as he saw his audition, further saying “it was abundantly clear that he had that 'Doctor-ness' about him…you are either the Doctor or you are not." I’ll give Moffat and Wenger this, it’s a choice out of left field. The bookmakers and tabloids were completely off the mark.

As a fan since Tom Baker’s days as the Fourth Doctor, I’ve seen new actors come and go as the Doctor. I don’t think the BBC has made a wrong choice yet. Not even Colin Baker, whose Sixth Doctor was more a victim of questionable writing. I look forward to meeting the Eleventh Doctor (see photo below).