With all of the hoohar surrounding the arrival of the new Doctor, you could be forgiven for forgetting that we’re also getting a brand new companion, too. Thusfar little is known about Amy Pond, save that she’s Scottish, she’s ginger and she has a penchant for skimpy outfits. Keen to find out more, we hooked up with Who’s new leading lady Karen Gillan.

How did you feel when you found out you had got the part?
“Well, being chosen as the assistant was the most insane thing that’s happened to me and one of the most exciting things. I worked on Doctor Who before, playing a small part in an episode called ‘The Fires of Pompeii’. I went to Rome to film it and I remember watching David and Catherine filming. Never in a million years did I imagine that I would be invited back to play the companion – it’s incredible!”

Were you approached for the role?
“I just auditioned like everyone else. I did two auditions – one with the casting director and the second one I read with Matt and that was it, really. They were very secretive about it – I didn’t even know the character’s name until the recall! I think they knew what they were looking for and just hoped that someone would come in and fill that.”

How would you describe Amy?
“Amy is a sassy lady – a force of nature. She really keeps The Doctor on his toes and is very feisty. She has all the components of someone who can go on these adventures with The Doctor but she kind of rivals him and doesn’t take his word as gospel all the time. She will question him. It’s an interesting dynamic between the two.”

Is there any physical attraction between Amy and The Doctor?
“I can’t really say too much about them, but the dynamic between them is definitely not shaped around romance. She’s a person in her own right – she’s not just the Doctor’s companion, she’s Amy Pond – and I think he needs her as much as she needs him. It’s a very equal relationship.”

How does she meet The Doctor?
“She meets The Doctor very early on in episode one in a brilliant way but I can’t say how exactly. Very quickly into the episode she gets involved in this big adventure with The Doctor and it becomes clear she’s an adventurer just like him. It takes off with a bang!”

And the policewoman’s uniform?
“Yes indeed! Well Amy has to do lots of things to ensure her and the Doctor are successful in their missions so perhaps that was one of the things she needed to do.”

How’s the filming schedule?
“It’s a really intense schedule but I’m really enjoying it so I can’t complain!”

Is it confusing filming episodes out of order?
“It is a bit strange filming it out of chronological order but that is just generally the way things are done, so it’s okay. You’ve just got to make yourself aware of what’s going on throughout the episodes.”

Finally, are you doing lots of running?
“Yes! Definitely. Lots of running.”

Originally published March 16th at Digital Spy