New sidekick for Doctor Who

David Tennant with his new co-star Martha Jones.
11 April 2012
The Weekender

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Newcomer Freema Agyeman is taking over from Billie Piper as Doctor Who's new sidekick.

The 27-year-old former Crossroads actress will play Martha Jones in the third series, starting next year.

Piper, 23, bows out as Doctor Who star David Tennant's assistant Rose on Saturday, during Doomsday, the final episode of the current BBC1 series.

Agyeman, who was born and grew up in London, was spotted after auditioning for the smaller role of alien expert Adeola.

She won the part and the character suffered a cruel fate at the hands of the Cybermen last Saturday.

TV bosses were so impressed by Agyeman's performance that they called her back after former pop star Piper announced she was quitting the sci-fi show.

Agyeman played femme fatale Lola in ITV soap Crossroads and has enjoyed roles in The Bill, Silent Witness and Casualty.

Writer and executive director Russell T Davies said the search for a new Doctor Who companion had already got under way when they asked Agyeman to audition for the part.

He said: "Watching her during filming confirmed what an exciting new talent she was, so under cover of darkness we called her back in to audition with David for the role of the new companion.

"It was an immediate and sensational combination, and her range, presence and charm blew us all away."

He added: "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.

"The first scripts have been written, and Martha's a brilliant addition to the Tardis crew, the perfect foil for the Doctor."

Agyeman, who left Middlesex University with a BA Honours degree in Performing Arts and Design, said keeping the news to herself had been driving her "mad".

She said: "Auditioning with David in secret down in Cardiff was unbelievable, but I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd actually become the new companion.
"Billie rightfully built up an amazing fan base and she will be missed, but I hope the fans are willing to go on new adventures with me.

"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."

Tennant, 35, who followed in the time-travelling footsteps of Christopher Eccleston, added: "Freema was a joy to work with in episode 12 of the current series.

"She is not only very talented and very beautiful, she's great fun and I'm delighted she's coming on board the Tardis full-time. I can't wait to welcome her into the Who family."

Filming for the next series, in which the pair meet Shakespeare, begins in three weeks' time.

Previous Doctor Who assistants have included Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith), Louise Jameson (Leela) and Bonnie Langford (Melanie Bush).

Neither Piper nor Agyeman will be appearing in the Christmas special, in which TV bosses promise a "surprise".

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