Billie's Back

[RitaLittlewood]

From the Mirror:

Billie reunited with Dr
EXCLUSIVE Billie returns as TV Doc's helper
By Nicola Methven, Tv Editor [e-mail] 27/11/2007

Doctor Who will have three glamorous assistants in the next series - after Billie Piper agreed to a surprise comeback.

BBC chiefs are delighted that Billie, 25, is to star in at least three episodes to round off the next run, which starts in March.

The Time Lord, played by David Tennant, starts with Donna (Catherine Tate) as his helper, is then joined by Martha (Freema Agyeman) and then reunites with Billie's character Rose for the finale. A source said: "With Donna, Martha and Rose competing to assist him, Dr Who is going to be spoilt for choice."

Since quitting, Billie has often admitted she misses the show which turned her into a major TV star. The actress told The Mirror: "Doctor Who is a big part of my life. I've missed it since I left and I love David Tennant."

She was persuaded to return by her family. Billie added: "My mum is the biggest Doctor Who fan ever. I feel bad about not being in this year's Christmas special with Kylie Minogue."

As Rose, Billie proved a huge hit, winning awards two years running.

Next year's 13-part series will end with an explosive plot, before taking a break for just a few specials in 2009. The series returns in 2010.

Billie will star as Sally Lockhart in the BBC1 adaptation of Philip Pullman's Shadow in the North this Christmas.

[Peter]

W00t!

David and Billie had such a great chemistry, although it is good to move on, i didn't mind Martha, but I dread Catherine Tate, the "I ain't bothered" just came to mind one the christmas one she was in, now in a series..

Wonder how they plan to do it as all the time windows were closed?

[RitaLittlewood]

This is why I'm sensing regeneration at the end. Bit like when the 4th Doctor regenerated and the companions flashed before his eyes. Then they brought Adric back briefly when the 5th regenerated.

I think this is getting silly now. The episodes can barely sustain one companion never mind three.

Patsy

[eithne]

Its good news, but just a pity it was announced so soon. It'd have been better if it had been kept top secret, though it would have been very difficult to keep it top secret.

I think a regeneration is very, very likely - although the 2009 specials would contradict that. If a new actor took over, they'd surely want him (her?) going in to a full series so we'd get to know them properly as opposed to just having 3 specials. It'd really damage the new actor in the role just to do 3 specials spread over most likely a break of 18 months, rather than having them week in, week out on our screens over 13 weeks - where we gradually get to know the newbie in the role.

I wonder will Rose's family return?

[RitaLittlewood]

I agree. There's rarely any surprises now. It seems like yet another ploy to try and keep those ratings up which makes me wonder of RTD et al are getting really worried about something.

Well we'll have to see but I wish RTD would just bog off and let someone else take charge now.

I hope not but I bet they do.

Patsy