Piper to be paid more than new 'Dr Who'?

Doctor Who's Billie Piper has been offered a higher-paid contract than David Tennant, The People reports today.

The actress, who plays Rose Tyler, will be paid £210,000 to appear in a Christmas special and a second series of the show, while Tennant, who is taking over from Christopher Eccleston in the role of the Doctor, is being paid £166,000 for the same number of episodes.

However, the newspaper claims that Tennant has signed a £500,000 contract, which commits him to three series.

"It's great news that Billie is staying," a source told the newspaper. "Her deal is what she deserves as she's a favourite with fans."