Matt Smith has revealed that the stakes are higher than ever before for the Doctor and Co in the new series.

Speaking to Red Eye Chicago recently, the Eleventh Doctor actor described the forthcoming adventures as a “journey of discovery”. “He’s learning a lot about River Song, so therefore learning what, I think, comes to define who he is – without giving any spoilers away,” he teased. “I think Amy and Rory have real dramatic journeys this year as well which the Doctor is obviously part of.”

He said: “They’re exploring the dark side of them this year, what makes them tick.”

He also promised “some really revelatory stuff” about River. “I love the part of River Song because it makes the Doctor come unstuck,” he explaned. “She’s the one person in the world who knows more than him. She’s extremely important to this season…”

The Impossible Astronaut airs on Saturday 23rd April at 6pm on BBC One/BBC One HD.

Break your silence in our ongoing Series 6 discussion, Silences, Rivers and Songs!