Tate set for new Dr Who series

Updated 08.06 Fri Aug 10 2007

Keywords: Doctor Who, Catherine Tate

Comedienne-turned-actress Catherine Tate is set to appear as the new assistant of Dr Who, in the next series of the popular show.

Tate is best known for her comical teenage tearaway character, Lauren Cooper and her favourite catchphrase "Am I bovvered".

"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" - Catherine Tate

The 39-year-old has already had a taste of the cult show after appearing as runaway bride Donna Noble in a one-off Christmas special last year.

Now it looks like the star is set to leave behind her hit TV sketch show, in favour of signing up as a serious actress on the sci-fi series.

The flame-haired funnywoman will hit the screen next year in spring, when we'll see her character track down the Time Lord - played by David Tennant - during an alien emergency in modern-day London.

Tate said: "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."

Freema Agyeman also returns as Martha Jones, giving the Doctor two companions midway through the fourth series.