Smith begins work as new 'Doctor Who'

LONDON, July 24 (UPI) -- British actor Matt Smith has begun shooting his first season as the titular character in TV's "Doctor Who," the BBC said Friday.

Smith, who is the 11th actor to play the Time Lord in the long-running British sci-fi series, takes over the part from Scottish actor David Tennant.

The latest season of the science-fiction favorite is scheduled to start airing next spring.

"I feel very privileged and proud to be part of this iconic show," the BBC quoted Smith as saying after he arrived on the show's set for his first day of filming Monday.

"The scripts are brilliant -- I'm excited about the future and all the brilliant adventures I get to go on as the Doctor."