Doctor Who's new companion is to be announced on Saturday night (23.04.16).

Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi

The identity of the Time Lord's new assistant will be revealed during half-time of the BBC's FA Cup semi-final football match between Everton and Manchester United.

The mystery actress will step into the shoes of Clara Oswald and assist the Doctor - played by Peter Capaldi - in the next series following Jenna Coleman's shocking exit last year.

Although bosses have remained tight-lipped on who will be taking over the role from the beauty - who played the companion for three years - various names have been brought to the table since Jenna stepped down in September in order to play the role of Queen Victoria in 'Victoria'.

'EastEnders' actress Rakhee Thakrar - who is best-known for playing temperamental Shabnam Masood in the BBC One soap - is rumoured to be taking on the part after she decided to turn her back on Albert Square earlier this year to broaden her horizons.

And if the speculation turns out to be true, the 32-year-old actress will become the first non-white main companion to grace the popular sci-fi series since Freema Agyeman's medic Martha Jones left former Time Lord David Tennant's side back in 2008.

Meanwhile, the programme is set for a huge shake-up next year when current producer Steven Moffat hands over the production reins to the new show runner Chris Chibnall.

But it's not just behind the scenes that will change, as Peter - who has played the Time Lord for two years - has also hinted he'll be stepping down in 2017.