[Corkie]

It has been confirmed that 27 year old actress Freema Agyeman will take over from Billie Piper as Doctor Who’s sidekick.

Agyeman will play Martha Jones in the new series of the hit BBC1 TV show.

Agyeman has featured on Doctor Who before; last Saturday viewers saw the character of Adeola suffer at the hands of the Cybermen.

Doctor Who writer, Russell T Davies said of their Rose replacement: "The search for a new companion had been underway for some time when I first saw Freema Agyeman, she had come in to audition for the part of Adeola in series two.

"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.

"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.”

Freema Agyeman said of her new role: "I've been keeping this secret from my friends for months - it's been driving me mad!

"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.”

Doctor Who actor David Tennant has also welcomed Agyeman to the show saying: "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."

The new series of Doctor Who starts filming in Cardiff this summer…