Doctor Who series four: Catherine Tate confirmed as new companion

Date: 04.07.2007

Hot on the heels of the critically-acclaimed season three finale of Doctor Who, the BBC has announced that Catherine Tate is set to return to the Tardis for the complete 13-week run of the new BBC One series.

Award-winning comedian Catherine Tate has been confirmed as the Doctor's new companion, returning to her role as Donna who featured in last year's Christmas special The Runaway Bride.

Donna mysteriously vanished as she prepared to marry her boyfriend in a glittering ceremony on Christmas Eve. She reappeared, much to her astonishment, in the Tardis with the Doctor.

As the Tardis raced to the church, it soon became apparent that Donna was the key to an ancient alien plan to destroy the Earth.

The episode ended with The Doctor inviting Donna to travel with him � an invitation which, at the time, was declined�

Catherine Tate was asked if she would like to become the Doctor's new companion at the press screening of The Runaway Bride.

She replied: "I would love to, but no-one has asked!"

Freema Agyeman who has played Martha Jones, the Doctor's companion, throughout the critically-acclaimed third series will return to the show to join the Doctor and Donna mid-series.

Doctor Who's Executive Producer and Head Writer Russell T Davies said: "Catherine was an absolute star in The Runaway Bride and 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 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."

The fourth series of Doctor Who goes into production this July and will hit UK screens in Spring 2008.

Yesterday the BBC announced that Kylie Minogue will be joining the Doctor Who cast in a major lead role in an hour-long Christmas special to be broadcast in December 2007.

Kylie will star alongside David Tennant (the Doctor) for the episode, Voyage Of The Damned.