Matt Smith was a guest on Roy Noble’s BBC Radio Wales show earlier today, and during the interview he discussed this week’s announcement that Jenna-Louise Coleman will be joining the series as the Doctor’s new companion.

“It’s very, very exciting news,” he said. “I was part of the audition process, and we met a number of wonderful actresses, but I think Jenna just responded to Steven Moffat’s writing in the most interesting way. We can’t wait to welcome her to the Doctor Who family.”

Coleman will be introduced in her new role in this year’s Christmas Special, and said at a press conference yesterday that it is “a huge privilege” to be awarded the part.

He also looks ahead to the first official Doctor Who Convention, at which he’ll be a guest, taking place in Cardiff this weekend. He explained: There will be be TARDIS tours, and me, Karen, Arthur and Steven Moffat will be there to sign memorabilia and have photos. There will also be all the monsters and costumes and things. It’ll just be all things Doctor Who really. It brings us all closer together. It’s always great to meet fans.”