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QUICK TAKES - Jan. 6, 2009

Associated Press

The BBC says little-known actor Matt Smith will take over the title role in the long-running sci-fi series “Doctor Who.”

The 26-year-old is the 11th actor to star in one of Britain’s most popular TV shows -- and the youngest.

Smith has appeared on the London stage and starred in the political TV drama “Party Animals,” but is a relative unknown. The new role will make him a major star in Britain, where “Doctor Who” regularly draws 10 million viewers per episode.

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Current star David Tennant plans to leave the show after four special episodes this year. The BBC said Saturday that Smith will take over in 2010.

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