After months of speculation, the BBC have announced that Matt Smith will succeed David Tennant as the legendary Time Lord in "Doctor Who" following the completion of the four special episodes that will be broadcast throughout 2009.

Smith, who is also the youngest actor to take on the role, is relatively unknown and is mainly known for his work on stage having appeared in "The History Boys" at the National Theatre in London, and has also worked with Christian Slater in "Swimming With Sharks".

"I've got this wonderful journey in front of me. I've got six months to build this Time Lord and that's such an exciting prospect," Smith said. "I feel proud and honored to have been given this opportunity to join a team of people that has worked so tirelessly to make the show so thrilling."

One thing that Smith is very conscious of is not treading on the toes of his predecessors while also remaining true to the spirit of the series.

"The challenge for me is to do justice to the show's illustrious past, my predecessors, and most importantly, to those who watch it. I really cannot wait," Smith said.

There have been a number of contenders for the Tardis key and many sources close to the BBC believed that Paterson Joseph would be named as the next incarnation, making him the first black actor to play The Doctor.

There is no word on who will be joining The Doctor on his travels in 2010, however rumors are already flying through time and space with some suggestions that Catherine Zeta Jones may be up for few trips in the infamous blue box.

"Doctor Who" returns to BBC later in 2009.

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