New sidekick for the Doctor

Following the departure of Billie Piper (Spirit Trap, Things To Do Before You're 30, The Calcium Kid) from the hit series Dr Who, Freema Agyeman has been named as the doctor's new sidekick.

Fans of the show may recognise Freema, as she appeared in it last Saturday as alien expert Adeola, who met a grizzly death at the hands of the Cyberman.

She will now be playing a brand new character, Martha Jones, in series three of the show.

Executive producer and writer Russell Davis (writer: Queer As Folk, Bob And Rose, Casanova) has described Freema as "an exciting new talent" who had an "immediate and sensational combination" with lead actor David Tennant (Bright Young Things, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, Free Jimmy).

"David and Freema are terrific together, and we're delighted to have chosen her to join the Doctor for more adventures in time and space," he said.

David Tennant has spoken enthusiastically about the decision to choose Freema, describing her as "very talented and very beautiful".

27-year-old Freema enthused: "It still hasn't quite sunk in, I'm sure it will slam home first day on set when I'm stood gazing at David Tennant!"

Billie won acclaim for her role as Rose Tyler, however she decided to quit the show after feeling homesick during the nine months of filming in Wales for the second series.

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