Series 5 Press Pack

Filming for series five of Doctor Who commenced today and the BBC have released a press pack explaining what viewers can expect from the show in 2010, which will starr new Doctor Matt Smith and Karen Gillan and new companion Amy Pond, read on for further details:

Filming starts on new series of Doctor Who!

Filming has at last started on the next series of Doctor Who! New showrunner and long-running Doctor Who fan Steven Moffat has developed this series and, as lead writer and executive producer, will be responsible for the overall creative direction of the show, as well as plot and character arcs. His previous episodes of Doctor Who, including the Bafta-winning episode Blink, have garnered widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike.

Discussing the series, Moffat commented, "And here it is, the big moment - the new Doctor, and his new best friend. And here's me, with the job I wanted since I was seven. 40 years to here! If I could go back in time and tell that little boy that one day all this would happen, he'd scream, call for his Mum and I'd be talking to you now from a prison cell in 1969. So probably best not then. Matt and Karen are going to be incredible, and Doctor Who is going to come alive on Saturday nights in a whole new way - and best of all, somewhere out there, a seven-year-old is going to see them, fall in love, and start making a forty year plan..."

Piers Wenger, executive producer and head of drama, BBC Wales added, "The scripts for the new series are every bit as funny, thrilling, scary and imaginative as you'd expect from the man who brought us The Empty Child and Blink. There's a strange and perfect alchemy between Steven and Matt Smith and the next few months are going to be riveting as that relationship starts to emerge on screen. Steven always says he's been waiting to do this job since he was seven. But it's actually the Doctor Who has been waiting for him."

The new series follows on from three Doctor Who specials starring David Tennant which will transmit later this year.

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning says, "I am thrilled that a whole new generation of children will forever say that their Doctor was the wonderful Matt Smith."

The series was co-commissioned by Ben Stephenson, controller, BBC Drama Commissioning for BBC One and Jay Hunt, controller of BBC One and will be produced by Tracie Simpson (Doctor Who) and Peter Bennett (Torchwood). Steven Moffat is Lead Writer and Executive Producer (Jekyll) with Piers Wenger, head of drama, BBC Wales and Beth Willis (Ashes to Ashes), also executive producing.

Filming is taking place in Cardiff right through to March 2010 and we'll be here to bring you the production news as it happens. So stay tuned. The journey starts right here!

The Name's Pond. Amy Pond

Details are beginning to emerge about the next Doctor's companion, and the big news is she'll be called Amy Pond.

Back in May we revealed that the new companion will be played by 21 year old Karen Gillan, but until now her character's full name has been more carefully guarded than the Doctor's 'real' name! Amy will travel in the Tardis alongside the new Doctor, played by Matt Smith, when the next series of Doctor Who begins in 2010.

Amy Pond is another memorable moniker from the new series head writer and executive producer, Steven Moffat, whose previous creations include Sally Sparrow and River Song. The latest photo which we revealed earlier today indicates Amy will have a laid back, contemporary look. So far we've had no suggestion as to whether we'll meet the new companion's family, or even if she has a family. But time will tell, and we'll be here to bring you Amy's story as it unfolds!

First Photo of Next Doctor's Costume

Filming has begun on the new series of Doctor Who and the first sneak peek of the next Doctor's costume is revealed today so we can now confirm - he's looking good! Matt Smith will play the Eleventh Doctor when the new series starts in 2010 and as shooting began he commented, "I feel very privileged and proud to be part of this iconic show. The scripts are brilliant and working alongside Karen Gillan, Steven Moffat and the rest of the crew is an inspiration because their work ethic and passion for the show is so admirable. I'm excited about the future and all the brilliant adventures I get to go on as the Doctor."

When the Doctor returns in 2010 he'll be dashing across the universe with Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillan. His new costume comprises black boots, dark trousers, a smart shirt and bow tie with a light brown jacket completing the ensemble. It says adventure. It says laid back cool. It says Time Lord chic and we're loving it!

The choice of clothing for the Doctor is both crucial and high profile. From Tom Baker's iconic multicoloured scarf to the effortlessly stylish look favoured by David Tennant in his brown suit and flowing coat, the Time Lord's attire becomes a cultural reference point, as linked to the character as James Bond's dinner suit or Sherlock Holmes' deerstalker.

The new series of Doctor Who has begun filming and we'll be bringing you all the production news as it happens. It promises to be quite a ride!

Doctor Who returns later this year in The Waters of Mars, with two more specials to follow, before series five broadcasts in Spring 2010 on BBC One and BBC HD.