Actress Freema Agyeman has been unveiled as the latest Doctor Who companion. 27 year old Freema joins the cast in series three as Martha Jones and appeared in last Saturday’s episode as the ill-fated Adeola.
Announcing the casting show supremo Russell T Davies said “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.
The first scripts have been written, and Martha’s a brilliant addition to the Tardis crew, the perfect foil for the Doctor.”
Those looking forward to meeting the new companion are going to need patience as Russell explains: “Martha won’t be featured in this year’s Christmas special; we’ve got another surprise in store for that.”
Freema Agyeman says: “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.
“It still hasn’t quite sunk in, I’m sure it will slam home first day on set when I’m stood gazing at David Tennant!”
Welcoming his new co-star David Tennant said she “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 possibility of Agyeman’s casting was previously raised by a number of media outlets including in The Sun, The Guardian, The Times and Sky Showbiz.
Media coverage
Confirmation of Freema’s casting has been carried by a number of major news outlets including The Scotsman, The Daily Mail, The Independent, icWales, The Guardian, The Daily Record, The Mirror, ITV.com, Reuters, as well as the BBC’s own site and CBBC section.
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