The BBC have recently published a new press release about Matt Smith's casting as the 11th Doctor. Matt will take on the role of the Time Lord when Doctor Who series five hits our screens in 2010 but in the meantime we have still got four specials with the fantastic David Tennant. An extract from press release can viewed below;

The identity of the new Doctor was revealed on a special edition of Doctor Who Confidential that was broadcast on BBC One yesterday at 5.35pm.

In it Smith revealed his initial reaction at taking on such a legendary role and his thoughts on what direction the Doctor might now be going with him playing the part.

Matt Smith said of his new role: "I'm just so excited about the journey that is in front of me. It's a wonderful privilege and challenge that I hope I will thrive on.

"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."

Lead writer and Executive Producer Steven Moffat said: "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."

You can view the full press release, which also includes a short biography for Matt, here. I'm sure Matt will be a fantastic Doctor and I'd like to take this time to wish him the very best of luck and success when working on Doctor Who and creating his character for The Doctor. An interview with Matt can be found here and it will be available to view on this site later today.