NEW Doctor Who Matt Smith has been invited to Ewood Park as a VIP guest after revealing he is a Blackburn Rovers fan.

And club bosses have even pledged to reserve a parking space for his Tardis!

Smith revealed his affiliation this week during a whirlwind publicity tour across the country ahead of his debut on BBC1 tomorrow.

His dad David was brought up in Darwen, and during one interview revealed he has an auntie still living in the town.

Smith, who succeeds David Tennant in the prestigious role, was born in Northampton, but he has inherited his father's love of Rovers.

A Rovers spokesman said: "This is the first we have heard of this but it is exciting news, given the profile and history of the programme.

"If the new Doctor ever wants to come to a game as our guest, I am sure we can find a parking space for his Tardis!"

Darwen has a special link with Doctor who after librarian Graham Groom staged a number of conventions for the show in recent years, which attracted stars past and present.

Mr Groom said: "I'm really looking forward to seeing Matt Smith as the new Doctor Who on Saturday.

"He has a hard act to follow in David Tennant but I'm sure he'll make a good stab at it.

"To learn his family is originally from Darwen is amazing and I wish him every success in his new role."

Rovers also count comedians Jim Bowen and Lee Mack, Justice Secretary Jack Straw, fashion designer Wayne Hemingway and former World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty among their celebrity fans.

Doctor Who begins on BBC One on Saturday at 6.20pm