Meet the new Dr Who - Matt Smith

There’s no denying it, Matt Smith looks tired. As well he might, after eight months spent saving the universe as the first post-Tennant Timelord. But, as the 27-year-old sweeps an unruly flap of hair off his forehead and lopes off set in Cardiff and over to meet us, it doesn’t take long to stoke up his excitement. About the show, sure, but also about meeting junior Whovians when the BBC takes him on a tour of the provinces this week to introduce him to fans; about seeing his prototype action figure (‘it was quite a moment’); and about the Mini Eggs he spies on the table. But he’s also reflective and engaged, taking care to answer the occasional familiar question in a new way. So: thoughtful, energetic and ever-so-slightly eccentric. Remind you of anyone?

How’s it all going? Great! We’ve only got eight days left of shooting [the new series], which is remarkable considering I remember the first day very vividly. It’s a weird sensation. You’re tired physically and mentally, but quite excited as well – there’s that Christmassy feeling.

Were you involved in crafting the Doctor’s look? Yeah, we went to three fittings and arrived where we are now. He had a long leather trenchcoat at one point. It has to be an extension of your own personality to some extent and I think it’s going to evolve.

Presumably the bow tie’s a signature now. Yeah. [Lead writer] Steven Moffat’s woven it in very cleverly. It’s quite funny because the Doctor thinks it’s cool, but everyone else is a bit dubious.

Do you get much time to yourself? Not a great deal. Even in the downtime, it’s preparing for next week, because we shoot 25-30 pages a week and the Doctor’s in 25-30 of them. But that’s okay: I knew that’s how it would be.

Have there been any surprises? Highs and lows, of course. I think I’ve improved as the shoot’s gone on: how to get the best out of myself in the day, better ways to prepare... As my confidence has grown, my Doctor has become clearer. But there’s been a progression with every Doctor – the part allows that. The first week was... [holds head] what’s going on! I’d spent so much time thinking about it, then suddenly you’re thrust in front of the Tardis and you’ve got a sonic [screwdriver]. Now, I could throw it up, twirl it in the air and catch it between my legs.

Was it intimidating? I’m sure it was, but the overriding sensation was, “Wow! I get to play that guy!” As a conceit, it’s not bound by logic, time, genre or space. No other drama has that, and that’s what makes it so exciting, even after eight months. One week you’re in some mad fairyland, the next you’re in Wales, the next it’s the future, then it’s 1960 with The Beatles or something...

Have you put in any requests about where you’d like the Tardis sent? I’d like to check out Atlantis, although I’m sure it would cost a fortune... I’d like to go to see Frank Sinatra and also hang out with the dinosaurs. I’d quite like to write one as well. Yeah, I know, concentrate on doing it first, Matt! But I’ve got an idea and it involves the Devil.

Could you persuade Steven Moffat? There’s such a plethora of brilliant writers that if I came along I’m sure he’d tell me to take a running jump. But one day, who knows? I’ve learnt so much – Steven’s the master of structure, because he’s a master of time. And he plays with those concepts really ingeniously.

Were you a fan before you took the role?‘I was part of the barren age that didn’t have Doctor Who because it was taken off the air. I knew what it was, of course, but I was never connected as a kid. Subsequently, I watched a great deal and was really swept up.

How does the role allow you to grow as an actor? Practically, I’ll never have as many lines to learn as quickly and I’ll never shoot as much in a day. Also, your articulation becomes a lot stronger and your imagination is constantly occupied. If you’re looking at a giant Dalek that’s hanging in the air, nine times out of ten it’s a tennis ball on a piece of string. But that thing is about to end the universe as we know it, so you get to play a lot up there [taps head], which I like. I don’t think I’ve ever done a job that’s had the same responsibilities with it – day-to-day things like signing cards or doing a lot of press. And other skills – audiobooks and stuff – that you pick up. So I’m constantly challenged.

Are you coping with the level of interest? Up to now, yes. I guess it depends at what time it becomes intrusive. I bumped into David Tennant in Cardiff Bay and I think he has to pull his hat down and stride quickly through it. But it’s a small price to pay for one of the best parts in the history of British television. You deal with it with as much grace as you can muster.

Do you go near the fansites? No. Lindsay Duncan [who played the Doctor’s companion, Adelaide, in last year’s 'The Waters of Mars’] told me not to go near reviews because, good or bad, they affect you. I’m completely aware there’s a furore about me being the Doctor, but it’s not something I indulge.

So you’ve found it quite easy to shut out? Well, I’ve shut it out; I don’t know how easy it’s been. You’re intrigued about what people write about you and think of you, but I have a job to do and I can’t let anything affect that.

What are your plans in the meantime? I’d love to direct a short film. My thirties will be spent exploring directing. I’m constantly on the lookout. The more you’re around it, the more it’s an everyday thing, being aware of camera movement and so on. I’m very interested in the visuals and in working with actors. What makes Haley Joel Osment give an Oscar-nominated performance at ten? But for the next few years, this show is my focus. It has to be.

The new series of Doctor Who starts on Sun 18 Apr at 7.30pm on ABC1.

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