The Doctor is to get an Extra Companion
for Season 30 (New Series 4)

 The BBC have announced that The Doctor is to have a brand new companion when the show returns for its 30th season.

The new companion, who will appear in the entire 13-week run, will be Donna Noble (as played by comedian Catherine Tate).

Catherine Tate will be returning to her role as Donna, the runaway bride who found herself transported into the TARDIS as she prepared for her wedding on Christmas Eve in the 2006 Christmas Special "The Runaway Bride". Donna was invited by The Doctor to travel with him at the end of the story, but the invitation was declined at the time.

Doctor Who's executive producer and head writer, Russell T Davies described Catherine Tate as an 'absolute star'. He is also reported as saying 'We are delighted that one of Britain's greatest talents has agreed to join us for the fourth series. Viewers can expect more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008'.

Catherine Tate has said: 'I am delighted to be returning to Doctor Who. I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey'.

  Fans of Martha Jones need not worry as there will still be room in the TARDIS for his current co-star Freema Agyeman.

 As part of the announcement Freema Agyeman’s character will be appearing in three episodes in the second season of spin-off show Torchwood. "Now we are taking the character of Martha into brand new territory with a starring role in Torchwood". Therefore she will miss the first half of the fourth series of Doctor Who.