BILLIE PIPER IS ROSE TYLER
24 MAY 2004

We'll have more on the casting of Billie Piper as Rose Tyler, the new "Doctor Who" companion, in the next few days (coming from her home town of Swindon, I'm intending on having any clippings from the Evening Advertiser up on the site as well), but for now, here's the BBC press release:

Billie Piper is confirmed to play Rose Tyler, companion to Doctor Who, it was announced today by Julie Gardner, Head of Drama, BBC Wales.

The former singer who made her acting debut last year in the critically-acclaimed BBC One drama serial "Canterbury Tales: The Miller's Tale", will star alongside Christopher Eccleston in the forthcoming 13-part drama series which returns to BBC One early next year.

Julie Gardner says: "Billie is beautiful, funny and intelligent. We needed to find a unique, dynamic partner for Christopher Eccleston, and Billie fits the bill perfectly.

"She will make an extraordinary Rose Tyler. Doctor Who has his new assistant!"

Piper, who also received critical-acclaim for her role in "Bella and the Boys", a one-off drama for BBC Two, is currently starring opposite Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom in "The Calcium Kid".

"'Doctor Who' is an iconic show and I am absolutely thrilled to be playing the part of Rose Tyler," says Billie Piper.

"I am also looking forward to working with Christopher Eccleston and writer Russell T Davies."

Executive producer/writer, Russell T Davies, adds: "The Doctor's companion is one of the most important and cherished roles in the history of TV drama.

"I'm delighted that someone of Billie's talent is coming on board the TARDIS, to travel through time and space."

Filming in Cardiff later this year for transmission on BBC One, "Doctor Who" is written by Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss, Paul Cornell and Robert Shearman.

The producer is Phil Collinson and executive producers are BBC Controller of Continuing Drama Series, Mal Young; Head of Drama, BBC Wales, Julie Gardner and Russell T Davies.

For further information about Billie Piper, "Doctor Who" and past companions, visit bbc.co.uk/doctorwho.