Tate returns to Doctor Who

Comedian Catherine Tate is to join Kylie Minogue as one of the stars appearing in forthcoming episodes of Doctor Who.

Tate will reprise her role as Donna, the runaway bride, in the fourth series of the hit drama next year.

Best known for her comedy creation the apathetic teenager Lauren, Tate played Donna in the show's last Christmas special.

She said she was looking forward to working with Tennant again: "I am delighted to be returning to Doctor Who. I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey."

In the episode The Runaway Bride, Tate's character Donna was a woman who mysteriously vanished as she prepared to marry her boyfriend in a ceremony on Christmas Eve and then reappeared in the Tardis.

As the Tardis raced to the church, it was revealed that Donna was the key to an ancient alien plan to destroy the Earth.

Executive producer and writer Russell T Davies said: "Catherine was an absolute star in The Runaway Bride and we are delighted that one of Britain's greatest talents has agreed to join us for the fourth series.

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

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.