He might be the new Doctor Who, filling the perilously large shoes of David Tennant, but when Matt Smith began filming his first episode of the sci-fi television series this morning he looked nothing like his predecessor.

The suit, overcoat and basketball trainers of Tennant’s feted Time Lord were nowhere in sight, with the 26-year-old instead donning a tweed jacket, bow tie, rolled-up trousers and bulky black boots.

The Doctor’s new companion, Amy Pond, played by Scottish actress Karen Gillan, was also unveiled on the BBC show’s Cardiff set this morning.

Dressed in a baggy sweater, tights and red trainers, her only resemblance to Catherine Tate’s Donna Noble was her long, red hair.

Filming in Wales until March 2010, Smith, who is the youngest actor given the Doctor role since the show's 1963 debut, said he was excited to be playing the 11th incarnation of the Time Lord.

“I feel very privileged and proud to be part of this iconic show.”

“The scripts are brilliant and working alongside Karen and the rest of the crew is an inspiration because their work ethic and passion for the show is so admirable,” he said.

“I’m excited about the future and all the brilliant adventures I get to go on as the Doctor.”

Executive producer and writer Steven Moffat was also stepping into big shoes this morning, taking the role left empty by Russell T Davies, credited with the enormous success of the Doctor Who revival.

While Moffatt has previously worked on the show, penning the Bafta-winning episode Blink, he said this morning that he had been waiting to take the producer’s chair for much of his life.

“And here it is, the big moment - the new Doctor, and his new best friend,” he said.

“And here’s me, with the job I wanted since I was seven. 40 years to here!

“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...”

The 13-episode series will air next spring, after three Doctor Who specials with David Tennant finish his lauded run as the Time Lord later this year.

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