Tate: Billie made 'Doctor Who' girl-friendly

New Doctor Who companion Catherine Tate believes her predecessor Billie Piper played a huge part in making the show appeal to the fairer sex.

"The way Doctor Who has taken off is just fantastic," Tate told the Daily Record, "and I think Billie is a big part of getting young girls on board as well, because they all kind of idolise the Rose character."

The popular comedienne, who will star as Donna in the family drama's Christmas special 'The Runaway Bride', added: "When I was little I liked Doctor Who but I think boys liked it more. But now it's across the board."

Tate's role as the Timelord's companion looks set to be short-lived, with Freema Agyeman joining the show as Martha Jones in the third series next year.