Matt Smith has said Jenna-Louise Coleman‘s character will redefine his role as the Doctor.

The former Emmerdale star takes over as the Doctor’s companion part-way through the next series of Doctor Who after the departure of Karen Gillan’s Amy Pond and Arthur Darvill’s Rory Williams.

Asked how the Doctor would change without Amy and Rory, Smith told Heat: “That’s something I’m trying to explore in the playing of him at the moment. I think a new companion coming in changes who he is, so hopefully there’ll be some kind of fruits in that relationship redefining him a little.”

Gillan said: “I think the Doctor’s going to be sad to see the Ponds leave, but he’s also going to carry on, because that’s what he’s done for the past 50 years, essentially.”

Of how Coleman has been getting on, Smith said: “She’s doing brilliantly. She’s actually doing night shoots as we speak, poor thing.”

Doctor Who will return to BBC One and BBC America on Saturday, September 1.

(source)