
The venerable old Beeb has announced the identity of Doctor Who's new assistant for the upcoming third series of the re-launched franchise and, surprisingly, it's someone we've already met. Sort of.
When Billie Piper departs at the end of this series she will be replaced by Freema Agyeman, a relative unknown who had a significant part in this past week's episode as Torchwood scientist Adeola, who is killed by Cybermen. Apparently the Who producers were impressed enough by her - and why not, she was quite good - that they snuck Agyeman back in for a one on one screen test with David Tennant to see if she might make a good companion for the Doctor, so expect to see her back playing the new companion, Martha Jones.
Bringing an actor back to play a different character - particularly so close to their last appearance - is not without its challenges but if approached smartly it can certainly be done, as HBO's Deadwood proved by casting Garret Delahunt in significant - and entirely unconnected - roles in the first two seasons.
Thanks to Paul for the pointer.


She was pretty lame in the episode she died in. Why her?
ahhh... but you see, sci-fi and the dr.who logic allows for odd things like this - morphing, bodyswapping etc.
Well, I certainly like the look of her. Still waiting for the start of season 2 here in the US, though...
Her name was revealled a few weeks ago, but I didn't realize that was her in the Army of Ghosts episode. I don't think it'll be a problem making a new major character distinct from a one-episode support. It's not like Fresh Prince of Bel Air when they replaced the mom.
I'm in the US and get season 2 every week off of piratebay.org...not that anyone should do that
It's also not the first time Doctor Who has done this. Just before Lalla Ward became the second Romana, she'd appeared as a totally different character in another story. And Pete Purves debuted as Steven at the end of a story in which he'd previously played a totally different character.
How could they replace Billie?! SHe was great as soooo hot!
She looks quite good but Billie Pipers gonna be a really tough act to follow, it would let a lot of the show down if she wasnt good enough. Shes gonna have to work her socks off.
I simply cannot believe Billie Piper is gone. They can replace Doctors every week for all I care, but not our Rose Tyler! I love everything about her, her smile, her laugh, her adorable cute everything... I feel like someone I really loved was taken from me. I am actually grieving. That's it BBC, I am not dowloading your show off the internet anymore!
Doctors are replaced often, but not as much as the amount of assistants. Its wierd that there are so many Doctor Who fans, yet there are barely any OFFICIAL WEBSITES! I wonder who the first assistant was?
I think the show won't be the same without Rose. Im sad that she is leaving the show.
Apparently Billie asked for too much money next year, they declined, so she "quit".
That episode was brilliant, but SUCH a shame that Billie isnt with the Doctor anymore.....
She looks.......
No one can replace rose. Why did she leave she was........Fantastic.
What`s the point in moaning about Billie? we cannot predict the futer.Maybe Freema will be just as good, I`m not saying that billie was rubbish.It`s just sometimes change is good.
I hope Freema is as good-let`s all wish her the best of luck not groan about Billie for the rest of her doctor who time!!!!
I agree, but Rose was amazing and such a good character. I don't like the look of this new Freeman girl. Apparently she signed a contract saying that she wouldn't step oe foot inside the tardis unless she got to kiss the Doctor! What a cow! She even admitted it and giggled. True story.
She is really lame.
i cant believe they will keep her
billie was so much better.
loose her now!
I relly enjoy watching doctor who it scare and funny
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