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Tate to become Doctor's sidekick

04/07/2007

Comedian Catherine Tate has been named as Doctor Who's new assistant for the next series of the popular science fiction show.

Tate is to reprise her role as Donna, the runaway bride who found herself transported into the time lord's Tardis last year for a Christmas special.

At the end of the festive show Donna turned down an invitation from the Doctor to travel through time with him, but is now set to join him for the entire duration of the fourth series.

Speaking about her new role Tate said that she was "delighted" to be returning to the show, which will again see her appearing alongside actor David Tennant.

"I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey," she said.

Tate will join Doctor Who's existing assistant Martha, played by Freema Agyeman, who will not appear until halfway through the next series due to the decision to also involve her character in the spin-off show Torchwood.

Welcoming Tate's involvement Doctor Who's executive producer and lead writer Russell T Davies said the comedian was an "absolute star" when she last appeared in the show.

He also promised: "Viewers can expect more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008."

It has already been announced that pop star Kylie Minogue is joining the Doctor Who cast for this year's Christmas special.

Hopefully Tate's new co-stars will be less intimidated by the prospect of appearing alongside her than the former prime minister.

Visiting a school in his former Sedgefield constituency yesterday, Tony Blair admitted that he was apprehensive about the sketch he filmed with Tate for Comic Relief.

Mr Blair, who appeared as himself alongside Tate's schoolgirl character Lauren, admitted that he was in fact "bovvered" by his comedy role.

"When I realised what I would be doing, I was completely horrified and I thought, 'I cannot do this,' but she was very good," he said.


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