Matt Smith has been named as the next Doctor Who.
The actor - who is the youngest star to take on the role at just 26 - will replace David Tennant as the titular Time Lord in the next series of the science-fiction show.
The long-awaited announcement was made during BBC One spin-off show 'Doctor Who Confidential' on Saturday (03.01.08).
Matt said: "I feel proud and honoured to have been given this opportunity to join a team of people that has worked so tirelessly to make the show so thrilling.
"David Tennant has made the role his own, brilliantly, with grace, talent and persistent dedication. I hope to learn from the standards set by him.
"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."
Matt - who will first appear as the eleventh Doctor in 2010 - has starred in several TV dramas including the 2006 adaptation of Philip Pullman's 'The Ruby in the Smoke', its follow-up 'The Shadow in the North' and ITV2's 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl'.
He also appeared in BBC Two political drama 'Party Animals'.
Piers Wenger, head of drama at BBC Wales, added: "It was abundantly clear that Matt had that 'Doctor-ness' about him.
"You are either the Doctor or you are not. It's just the beginning of the journey for Matt."
Current Doctor David will film four specials in 2009 before passing on the mantle.
Other actors who were rumoured to take the role include 'Little Britain' star David Walliams, Irish actor James Nesbitt and British actor Colin Salmon - who was hotly tipped to become the first black Doctor.
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