Scottish schoolgirl lands dream role in TV's Doctor Who

Published on Tuesday 24 November 2009 21:50

A NINE-year-old Highland schoolgirl has beaten off competition from hundreds of other hopefuls to land a dream role in the Dr Who series.

Caitlin Blackwood, from Inverness, is following the time-travelling footsteps of her cousin Karen Gillan who is starring as the doctor's assistant in the new series and also comes from the Highland capital.

Caitlin, a pupil at the city's St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, landed the role despite having no formal acting experience.

She has just returned from Cardiff, where the new series is being filmed, but her role is not being revealed by the BBC to avoid spoiling the plot for fans.

Christine Cameron, St Joseph's headteacher, said the whole school was delighted for their new star pupil.

She said: "We are so proud of the way she has taken to working on a major film set in her stride.

"Everyone involved in the production of Dr Who is impressed with Caitlin, her ability to listen to and follow direction, be flexible in her approach, and get on with new people.

"She has charmed them all."

Ms Cameron said Caitlin is a "quiet, modest child" who rarely talks about her achievements: "I think she will let her talent speak for itself."

Virtual unknown Karen, 21, was cast by the BBC in May to star alongside new Doctor Matt Smith.

From Inverness, she attended the Italia Conti stage school in London after finishing her GCSEs.

She has featured in ITV's Rebus and panned hospital drama Harley Street, as well as Channel 4 comedy The Kevin Bishop Show.