Production begins today on the new season of the cult series Doctor Who, in which viewers (on BBC One anyway) will meet the 11th Doctor and his companion for the very first time. The latest incarnation of the iconic character is played by Matt Smith (Party Animals).

Upon arriving on set in Cardiff, England for his first day of shooting, Smith commented, “I feel very privileged and proud to be part of this iconic show. The scripts are brilliant and working alongside Karen, Steven 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.

Accompanying The Doctor on his further adventures in time is a new companion Amy Pond, played by Scottish actress Karen Gillan (The Kevin Bishop Show), who will first meet The Doctor in episode one of the new series.

The new series follows three Doctor Who specials starring David Tennant, which will aire later this year. Steven Moffat is the lead writer and executive producer for the storyline, with Piers Wenger and Beth Willis also executive producing. Filming on 13 episodes will take place in Cardiff until March 2010.