So, what do we think of the new Doctor?

Zoe, London on January 5th, 2009
When I first saw the casting choice, it was on the news. I angrily screamed HES TOO YOUNG HELL RUIN DOCTOR WHO OHNOES WAAAAAH. A few minutes later, I calmed down and realised he's only a little younger than Peter Davison. Then I got round to watching the interview and honestly, I think he'll be great. My one minor problem is that he has no eyebrows. Can we get him some, please?

Me, UK on January 5th, 2009
looks like a right weirdo , the new doctor who should be left to die . what a waste of the licence fee

Sara Goodwin, Nottingham on January 5th, 2009
I watched a documentary about the Doctor Who cast and crew and can see they have a genuine love for the show. There is no way they would cast someone who isn't 110% right for the part. When Doctor Who first came back, people moaned, just as they have at every change - Chris to David, Rose to Martha to Donna, bringing the Ood back twice, it's daft! Every show is amazing and funny and everything about Doctor Who draws me in. I love it....saying that..I really will miss David Tennant and can't wait to see what he does next as I love him..!!

Derek, London on January 5th, 2009
Personally, I think that the BBC have just put the first nail in Dr. Who's overdue coffin. I sincerely hope that the guy (who I've never seen or heard of) makes a go of it but I suspect the Beeb knows that the programme is nearing the end of its shelf life and has decided to make a grab for the yoof audience to try to keep them on line for the rest of the evenings viewing. I don't think so somehow.

Dolly Dimple, Dollyland on January 5th, 2009
crazy casting as ever - all this hype for a 12 year old - sad.

Tony Wesley, Sutton Coldfield on January 5th, 2009
Never seen him before but, after the Dr Who Confidential , I think he's ideal - give him a chance = Good Luck Matt

Fox, Herts on January 5th, 2009
superb casting ! Someone who doesnt need to change a previous perception of him in another role. They have gone (as with no's 10 and 9) for acting skills, - love the people who say "he hasnt been in anything" Erm... just because you have not seen him in a drama ie "not been on the telly in some sitcom or soap" does not come into it. Heavens, are these the people who have been suddenly going to see Hamlet and realising it's a play by Shakespeare???. Or think that DT was only in Casanova before he became the Doctor. Curse him, surely a spell in Eastenders, or Emmerdale should have been on his cv? Whoever was chosen must have the genuine ability to morph lots of Doctor characteristics into the part. Not just "play their next role". Watch Chris E or DT closely and you can see their dramatic acting skills were key to their success. Matt's (ooer Mr Smith's!) natural mannerisms and speech are actually a great mirror of DT's portrayal of the Doctor, quite spooky when you watch him talk. Certainly he does not look too young. He will be quite a bit older by the time he lands on screen. And of course he has acted with Rose (Billie Piper) as well as for Russell Davies - they will have seen his slightly quirky personality not just his acting expertise. Having been totally miserable over losing DT, we are very excited about the new Doctor...BUT think that it must be remembered that it is also about one other important factor...his travelling companion. Billie Piper became such a cult figure as Rose, then Donna (oh ye of little faith), so who they chose for Matt will also be very important in the whole dynamic. Will they be younger or go for the "yoof culture" , or bring on the "older woman" and why not! With a huge american audience and Twighlight a box office smash - and showcasing brit acting skills (and there are no such things as young vampires in the same way he cant possibly be too young to be a time lord) - Matt has the look and talent to make this a fantastic new doctor.

Greg, Colorado on January 5th, 2009
He has a cold fury about him; a million emotions boiling underneath an impenetrable surface. Can't wait to see his interpretation of the Doctor. Loved Eccleston's and Tennant's portrayal, I wish RTD had the opportunity to write for Smith but I'm sure the series is in more than capable hands.

Lynsey, Scotland on January 5th, 2009
For God's sake, why don't you all give the poor guy a break? I haven't seen anything he's been in before, but that doesn't mean I'm going to write him off immediately. It's time to cut the apron strings and accept that David Tennant is no longer the Doctor and give Matt Smith a fair chance.

Donna, Ayr on January 5th, 2009
You know it is true what everyone has been saying. Who'd have thought Billie the pop star would have made an excellent companion? Remember how we all hated Martha and Donna before growing to love them for their different character traits? I am such a big David Tennant fan and have followed him since Casanova but even I doubted him as The Doctor to start with. Give this new guy a chance. The writing team on the show are nothing short of brilliant and I look forward to new developments in the show.

Donna, Ayr on January 5th, 2009
You know it is true what everyone has been saying. Who'd have thought Billie the pop star would have made an excellent companion? Remember how we all hated Martha and Donna before growing to love them for their different character traits? I am such a big David Tennant fan and have followed him since Casanova but even I doubted him as The Doctor to start with. Give this new guy a chance. The writing team on the show are nothing short of brilliant and I look forward to new developments in the show.

Lynsey, Scotland on January 5th, 2009
I think Matt Smith will be a great new Doctor, and completely disagree with the negative comments that have been thrown his way before he has even begun filming. He seemed genuinely excited about taking the role on and appeared to be a lovely bloke. I, like many who have posted, haven't seen any of his previous work, but I will most vertainly be interested to see his take on the iconic role of The Doctor. I agree with the BBC's choice to keep the character fresh and innovative rather than returning him to the traditional patrician role first set out by the likes of William Hartnell. Bring on 2010!

thesteam, Surrey on January 5th, 2009
Let me ask you this... Have we been let down yet? I think we are in safe hands with Moffat, as he has written some compelling stories in the past series (amongst many, 'Blink' was outstanding), and he will have plans that will draw out the best in the Dr. I saw Matt Smith in Swimming with Sharks, essentially a two man play (Christian Slater being the other actor), and he did a great job in a play that requires the actor to play a meek sycofant at the beginning to an unstable potential killer at the end. Getting back to the crux of this, I suspect we will see a new take on the Doctor we will all love (it has happened before!!)

Gareth, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan on January 4th, 2009
Matt Smith ive never heard of him till now. My choice for the 11th doctor would have been Phillip Glenister as he has talent as seen in life on mars, ashes to ashes, demons. another actor who could have been the 11th doctor is Shane Richie he has the talent to be eccentric just like he did when he portrayed Alfie Moon in Eastenders. or even the guy who played ziggy in grange hill would have been adequate enough to play the 11th Doctor. but we r stuck with Matt Smith maybe wen i have seen him in action or has a leading role anytime soon then il see if he has the stuff to be the 11th doctor.

Captain Matt, Wrexham on January 4th, 2009
Like everytime a new Doctor is announced I auotmatically don't like the choice, but give it a couple of episodes and I''l be loving him and wont even remember the last guy. Just wish the y could of picked someone who is distinctivly different from David Tennant, Matt seems a liitle to much like his predecessor, young with mad hair. But I'm looking forward to all the new Who thats ahead, and always will whoever gets cast.

Stormy, St Andrews, Scotland on January 4th, 2009
seriously? he had no charisma in ruby in the smoke... hope moffat knows what he's doing...

Jennifer, Canada on January 4th, 2009
I thought Christopher Eccleston was irreplaceable.. honestly, I didn't like David Tennant when he was first on just because he was different from the first Doctor I fell in love with. Now I feel the same way about David. There is a lot to live up to after his incredible run but if Matt Smith steps up he'll be loved all over the world. Matt intrigues me though. There's something about him I can't really put my finger on. I'm excited to see what he'll do in this role!

Adam Bond, Essex on January 4th, 2009
really really dissipointing and a very bad choice for the role of the doctor this will compleatley ruin the iconic brand that has been iconic for over 40 years and this is the biggest sci-fi programme in the uk and being broadcast even in america but lests cut to the chase he might maek the role his own who no pun intended lest see in 2010.

Justin, Suffolk on January 4th, 2009
Great Choice - He will be great!

Alex, London on January 4th, 2009
I must say, all you 'hardcore' Dr who fans are possibly the most annoying of them all. you moan and moan before they show, then you go all gushy once there on the screen !. like with catherine tate, before the 4th series started you all moaned and moaned. and low and behold your doing it again. GIVE HIM A CHANCE TO FILM THE BLOOMI' EPISODE AND FOR IT TO BE AIRED !

Megan, US on January 4th, 2009
My only real problems with him are that he is too young and that he's not David Tennant...but on the bright side, he IS pretty....

Princess, London on January 4th, 2009
im really gonna mis david he was and is the best doctor yet. matt smith needs to restyle his hair and where are his eyebrows gone? since he is 26 the companion is obviously gonna be yunga or the same age. matt is a very lucky person to get this incredible role i give atleast 1 series and hed be gone.

Wayne Corbishley-Forbes, Warwickshire on January 4th, 2009
Fantastic! Liking his look and style and loving the fact that the team at Who have decided to push the envelope one more time. Can't wait to see Matt in action in 2010 and loving the fact that we still have more Tennant adventures in the meantime. Come On!!!!!

Chloe, Dorset on January 4th, 2009
I dunno if he's really Doctor material, but if I'm honest, when I first saw David Tennant appear at the end of the parting of ways, I had the same thoughts. So I'm gonna give him a chance, but I can't help feeling he's not going to live up to the absolutely FANTASTIC David Tennant. We're gonna miss you David! XXXX

Angie. Yorkshire on January 4th, 2009
Well, looking at the producers choice for the 11th DW..........for the 12th can I suggest Stewie

A, Aberdeen on January 4th, 2009
I don't like him at all!!!! So sad that David Tennant is leaving. David is the best doctor ever!!!!!!

Steve on January 4th, 2009
I think a lot of the negative comments about Matt Smith on here are unfair. Peter Davison followed Tom Baker and I think that was a lot tougher act to follow! I am surprised a lot of people have not held off after the negative comments about Catherine Tate, who turned out to be what the show needed. I am pleased that they did not bow to this pc having a "black" or "female" actor just because!! They have chosen an actor based on what they saw as his talent. As for the 'who is he' bit, a previous 'who is he actor' stayed for 7 years and proved to be the most popular Doctor ever. David T has another 4 stories to go before the whole team changes. Give the bloke a go. If he is not successful, they can alway regenerate him into someone else.

Liz Knottingley, West Yorks on January 4th, 2009
I have heard that the new Dr Who is the grandson of Deborah Kerr, if this is correct, what a pedigree

ed on January 4th, 2009
Remember those who were anti Daniel Craig.. He has turned out to be the Best Bond yet, oh shut up Connery fans.

Paul, Hyde on January 4th, 2009
Unfortunately, since David Tennant became the Doctor loads of women started watching because they fancy him. Now these people have hijacked this show, expecting an Adonis to be cast every time. It is not about looks - just look at all of the other incarnations of the Doctor. It is about acting abilities. If women want nice looking blokes and girly romance stories then they should switch to Hollyoakes.

Ben Dawson, Hull on January 4th, 2009
Although I'm a big Tennant fan, I can see how the product is going stale, and therefore needs a big shakeup... and therefore picking someone completley different and unknown is the perfect direction for the product. Matt seems to have huge respect for the product, and also appears to have certain ideas for his Doctor's "character"... something Eccleston never even thought about beforehand... hell, he couldn't even be bothered to watch previous tapes before playing the role! I think all the Tennant lovers are obviously going to be stubborn regarding ANYONE taking over... we'll see who becomes turncoats when this kid really suprises anyone. You've got my vote Mr. Smith! Now there's an ironic name... :P

Katie, Staffs on January 4th, 2009
give the boy chance but pleeeeeeeeeease give him a better haircut

Andrew, Cardiff on January 4th, 2009
it could work, he looks eccentric enough and from the clips i've seen he looks a decent actor. i can see it working. i dont think its a bad thing for a young doctor to come in. tom baker was young compared to his predecessors and look how successful he was. i'm happy. ps all the haters, at least give him a chance before judging

John, Barry on January 4th, 2009
In response to all the saying ive read about the doctor getting younger with each regeneration, it is not true, the ages of all actors at the time they played the doctor is as follows in chronological order : William Hartnell 55 (1963-1966,1972-1973) Patrick Troughton 46 (1966-1969,1972-1973,1983,1985) Jon Pertwee 51 (1970-1974,1983) Tom Baker 40 (1974-1981) Peter Davison 29 (1981-1984) Colin Baker 40 (1984-1986) Sylvester McCoy 44 (1987-1989,1996) Paul McGann 37 (1996) Christopher Eccleston 41 (2005) David Tennant 34 (2005-2010) and now Matt Smith 26 (2010- ?)

Bill, Newcastle on January 4th, 2009
I watched Matt in Party Animals and I think he did a great job and he has a talent that will develop well. Can't wait to see him as the next Doctor and I'm sure he'll do just as well as the Doctors before him. Give him a chance and then decide!

Thawn, Norwich on January 4th, 2009
I will admit I have not heard of him, but I will give him a chance and see what he is like in the role of The Doctor and he might turn out and be great in the part. So let us all give him a chance to prove himself as The Doctor.

Tony M, London on January 4th, 2009
Not overly impressed at first hearing of his appointment but, like with all new things, I'll give him a chance before crucifying him without seeing him in the role (unlike some others here...)!!

Ross, Newcastle on January 4th, 2009
I think everyone needs to remember the flack Catherine Tate got when she was announced as the next companion, look how well she turned out! Im pretty sure Smith would not of been hired if everyone involved in the show didnt think he could pull it off!

Gareth, Cardiff on January 4th, 2009
I have not seen Matt Smith in anything, but as a long time Doctor Who viewer going back to the Tom Baker era, I am looking forward to seeing what this new Doctor will be like, all I know for sure is expect the unexpected, its not like people don't know about the regenerations, so why all the doomsaying, each regeneration has brought something different to the doctor, and I think they made that point quite clear in the DWC last night. Anyway here's to one more year with the brill DT and im looking forward to learning the circumstances of the cause of the regeneration at XMas 2009.

Faye, South Wales on January 4th, 2009
Give him a chance for goodness...... !!!!