Expect 'madness and tenderness' from new Doctor Who

The new Doctor Who boasted the latest series will offer "madness, tenderness and recklessness with adventure and risk" at its launch.

Matt Smith, who is the 11th Doctor after taking over the role from David Tennant, was joined by the cast and crew at last night's event in Cardiff.

Smith, 26, is the youngest Timelord yet and said he was inspired by his predecessors.

"For the first week or month you are completely aware the show has had great success but it's something that inspires me, it's not a burden or a weight.

"I'm proud that it is one of the most popular shows in Britain."

Steven Moffat, who replaced Russell T Davies as lead writer for the series, said the prospect of romance between the Doctor and his new companion Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillan, was not out of the question.

"You take two attractive people and they will probably be a bit romantic about each other," he said.

"It is a complex story between Amy and the Doctor, it is not simple.

"It is not a story you have ever seen between the companion and the Doctor before."

He added the new star had exceeded all expectations.

Moffat said: "Matt is everything I hoped for and more, the way he takes this part and the way the 11th Doctor will develop will surprise and thrill people.

"There is an episode in this series that I showed to my 10-year-old son and he said there is one scene that is the scariest thing that has ever happened in Doctor Who.

"There is another episode that will make you gasp then want to press rewind so you can see it again."

When asked about the show's impressive roll call of guest stars, which this season will include Bill Nighy, Helen McCrory and Gavin and Stacey star James Corden among others, Moffat said it was not hard to lure big names to the Cardiff set.

"We just say come and be on Doctor Who.

"Who wouldn't want to? It is the tardis, it is the Doctor, it is not that hard to get them, especially if they have got children."

For Smith, the tardis was one of the highlights of playing the Doctor. He said: "It is a constant playground and that is the glory of it, this particular tardis is like a mad scientist's lair."

Co-star Gillan added the support of the show's loyal fans was encouraging.

She said: "I have been getting lots of lovely letters, I feel quite supported but there's that fear people won't like what you're doing. I just hope they do."