Matt Smith has been announced as the latest patron of the National Youth Theatre.

The arts organisation – established in 1956 – aims to inspire and showcase exceptional performers aged between 14 and 21. Matt trained there as a teenager and said it “completely transformed” his life. “You are out there on a stage, you are doing a play, you’re being directed,” he said. “You’re turning up for rehearsals every day and working as you would work in a professional rehearsal room.”

He added: “I’m proud to be the organisation’s newest patron, as I care deeply about it.”

NYT’s Artistic Director and CEO, Paul Roseby, described him as the “perfect role model”.

Catherine Tate (Donna Noble) and Alex Kingston (River Song) are also Theatre patrons.