Doctor Who will gain a new companion for the next 13-episode series of the cult show, the BBC reports.

Freema Agyeman, whose Martha Jones replaced Billy Piper's Rose Tyler as Who's sidekick, is off to shoot three episodes of Torchwood, and will accordingly miss the first half of series four. However, she will return for the second.

Producer and writer Russell T Davies declared that the third series of Who had attracted "outstanding reviews", adding: "Freema has been a huge part of that success, gaining rave notices for her portrayal of Martha. Now we are taking the character of Martha into brand new territory with a starring role in Torchwood."

To cover the temporary redeployment, the good Doctor will be accompanied on his travels by an as-yet-unnamed newcomer. His or her identity will be "announced shortly". ®

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