The BBC have just released the first official publicity photograph of the new girl aboard the TARDIS for the latter half of the forthcoming season seven of Doctor Who. Actress Jenna-Louise Coleman, pictured below with current Time Lord Matt Smith and previously best known for her portrayal of a lesbian murderess (seriously) in ITV soap Emmerdale was introduced to the Press a couple of months ago and began filming in and around South Wales last month.

Her character – rumoured to be called Clara – is introduced in this year’s Christmas special but it’s understood that the series’ head writer Steven Moffat is still working on the script for the festive special so filming has been proceeding on episodes further along in the run.

Ironically, simultaneously with Coleman’s on-set debut as the Doctor’s new companion, former fellow travellers Rory (Arthur Darvill) and Amy (Karen Gillen) have been seen back on location in Cardiff over the last few days, even though they formally finished filming a few weeks ago. It appears that reshoots have been required for one of their earlier episodes – the TARDIS has been seen at the familiar Bute Esplanade location in Cardiff which doubles as the pair’s home, along with extras dressed in UNIT military costumes.

Doctor Who is expected to return to BBC1 in the Autumn.

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