Television’s new Doctor Who says the latest series will offer “madness, tenderness and recklessness with adventure and risk”.

Matt Smith, who is the 11th Doctor after taking over the role from Scot David Tennant, made the boast as he was joined by the cast and crew at a Cardiff preview.

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 is something that inspires me, it is not

a burden or a weight.

“I’m proud 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, 22 from Inverness, was not out of the question.

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

The show’s impressive roll call of guest stars this season will include Bill Nighy and Gavin and Stacey star James Corden.