Doctor Who Matt Smith buys first house for £775k as BBC show proves a ratings smash

Matt Smith has celebrated his screen debut as the new star of Doctor Who by splashing out £775,000 on his first house.

The actor, 27, will move into the stunning, two-storey 19th century converted church this month.

Matt had every reason to push the boat out after the new series of the BBC show was such a huge success on Saturday.

More than eight million people tuned in to watch him take over from David Tennant - a massive 37% of the audience share - and critics are already saying that he could be the best Time Lord yet.

A bbc insider said: "It was a gamble to cast a relative unknown, but it's paid off spectacularly. And just like the Doctor, Matt is a quirky guy and didn't want a run-of-themill home, but something a bit different." Matt was determined to buy his first property after landing the three-year deal worth £600,000. The BBC source said he plumped for the home in Highgate, North London, after searching for six months.

The new series - which features Karen Gillan as assistant Amy Pond - will also have a cameo appearance by James Corden.