It's one of the most coveted jobs in TV, but virtual unknown Freema Agyeman has won the part of Dr Who's assistant after impressing the hit show's writer. The pretty 27-year-old will be stepping into the shoes of Billie Piper, the Time Lord's current companion.
Freema, who played seductress Lola Wise in Crossroads and has also made appearances in Casualty and The Bill, got her big break after being talent-spotted by Dr Who writer Russell T Davies when she played Adeola in series two. "The search for a new companion had been under way for some time when I first saw Freema," he said. "Watching her filming confirmed what an exciting new talent she was."
An audition with David Tennant, who plays The Doctor, sealed the job. "They are terrific together," says Russell, "Martha is a brilliant addition to the crew." Despite meeting a sticky end at the hands of the Cybermen last week, Freema will be returning to the Tardis as Martha Jones. The new role is the highlight of the actress' career to date and the rising star is slowly getting used to the idea. "I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd actually become the new companion," she says. "It still hasn't quite sunk in."
The London-born thesp, who graduated with a degree in performing arts and drama from Middlesex University, is hoping to get a warm reception from the show's ten million viewers. "Billie built up an amazing fan base, but I hope the fans are willing to go on new adventures with me."
Her 23-year-old predecessor is moving on to pastures new after enjoying huge acclaim in the drama. Billie is already signed up to appear in a BBC adaptation of Philip Pullman's The Ruby In The Smoke, as orphaned Victorian sleuth Sally Lockhart.
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