Doctor Who interview: Matt Smith

Matt Smith as the Doctor. (BBC)

The BBC provided Nerdage with this interview with new “Doctor Who” star Matt Smith.  Read on for his take on the first day of filming, the fans, the TARDIS and more.

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It may be the eleventh time an actor has taken on the iconic role of the Doctor, but Matt Smith hasn’t let that stand in his way of creating his very own vision for the character. Here he explains what it was like to land the role and talks about his dream trip in the TARDIS.

“It was quite weird news to receive,” says Matt Smith, the youngest actor to play the title role of hit show Doctor Who. “I mean at that point it was a piece of information I couldn’t share with anyone so it didn’t feel tangible, but needless to say I was very pleased.”

“I actually ended up walking around London listening to Sinatra on my iPod,” laughs the 27 year old as he

Matt Smith as the New Doctor

tries to explain the moment he found out he had won the much coveted role of the Doctor. “Funnily enough my mum had texted me to say she thought I should play the Doctor a week before my agent asked me to audition so she was delighted I got the part. I was also abroad when it was announced on the BBC and my phone went mad – the bill was enormous!”

Taking on the role of the Doctor

Spanning five decades, Doctor Who has been a part of British culture for nearly 50 years. Since its successful return in 2005 both Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant have played the title role and made their own mark on the eccentric Time Lord. Now it’s Matt’s turn to give his own portrayal of the iconic character; a challenge which some young actors may have shied away from. “I think these things are only as intimidating as you allow them to be,” explains Matt. “It’s a real privilege to join such a successful show; it’s a bit like joining Manchester United (soccer team). It’s good to be part of something strong and long may it continue. Plus I couldn’t have inherited the role from a nicer man. I guess it’s like anything really, the more you do something the less daunting and intimidating it becomes.”

First day of filming

However, Matt admits his first day of filming, which took place on a beach in wet and windy conditions, was both daunting and challenging. “It was very tough because we were up against the tide and could only film until 3pm,” reveals Matt. “It felt like being in a twilight zone because there were so many people watching and dozens of paparazzi around! It was nice that Karen was there as well though,” he continues, “because we were both going through the same experience. We were also surrounded by Doctor Who fans and every time I had to nip to the toilet they followed me. I’ve now learnt this is the norm on Doctor Who!”