Matt Smith replaces David Tennant in Doctor Who

By April MacIntyre Jan 3, 2009, 17:46 GMT

Matt Smith is Doctor Who

Actor Matt Smith is confirmed as David Tennant's successor in the long-running Sci-fi series, "Doctor Who."

Smith, at age 26,  is the youngest ever actor to be cast in the role.

Tennant, who took over from Christopher Eccleston in 2005, will now complete four hour long specials.

In the final episode he will undergo the famous regeneration scene that will see Tennant transform into Smith.

Smith's acting C.V. includes "Party Animals"and "The Ruby In The Smoke."

Of his casting, Smith said: "I'm flabbergasted. I haven't slept really! [Doctor Who] is an iconic part of our culture, and now I'm taking that on. It's nervewracking. Exciting. Exciting."

Smith will replace Tennant at the end of four Doctor Who specials, and he will then go on to film a full fifth series alongside a new companion, as of yet unnamed.

Steven Moffat, who takes over from Russell T Davies as executive producer following the specials, said in a statement: "The Doctor is a very special part, and it takes a very special actor to play him. You need to be old and young at the same time, a boffin and an action hero, a cheeky schoolboy and the wise old man of the universe.

"As soon as Matt walked through the door, and blew us away with a bold and brand new take on the Time Lord, we knew we had our man.

"2010 is a long time away but rest assured the 11th Doctor is coming – and the universe has never been so safe."

Tennant announced his decision to quit the long-running series in October 2008, saying that he did not want to "outstay [his] welcome".

"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."