[Corkie]

Freema Agyeman will return in the next series of Doctor Who, despite appearing to make an exit in Saturday's finale.

The BBC confirmed today (Monday) that Freema's character Martha Jones will make a "triumphant return" in the middle of the next series, which starts filming this month for transmission early next year. She will also appear in three episodes of the new series of Captain Jack spinoff Torchwood.

"Series three has gained outstanding reviews and Freema has been a huge part of that success," said exec producer Russell T Davies. "Now we are taking the character of Martha into brand new territory with a starring role in Torchwood."

Agyeman said: "It's a huge new challenge for me and I'm delighted Russell has decided to expand the character of Martha Jones."

Despite Martha's midseason return, The Doctor will be joined by a brand new companion for the full thirteen episode run of series four, the BBC also announced, adding that casting would be confirmed "shortly".

Details of David Tennant's tenure with the series still remain unconfirmed, although he is widely expected to stay on-board as the Doctor for at least the first half of series four.

Should be good having two companion. I hope it's a man from either another planet or a different time stage (future maybe?)

Kylie Minogue has signed up to appear in this year's Doctor Who Christmas special alongside David Tennant.

The Australian singer will start filming one of the lead roles for the episode this month in Cardiff, Wales.

It has been confirmed that the storyline for the show, Voyage of the Damned, will follow on from the end of series three where the Titanic crashed into the Tardis.

Executive producer of the show, Russell T Davies, said about the news: "We are delighted and excited to announce that Kylie Minogue will be joining the Doctor. Doctor Who Christmas specials are always a joy and we feel very confident that this will be the most ambitious and best Christmas episode yet."

Kylie was also pleased to be on board, saying: "It is an incredible thrill to be joining David and the entire Dr Who production for this year's Christmas special. Dr Who enjoys a unique history and it is going to be very exciting to be a part of that."

Looking forward to it already.

Both from DS