Freema and new companion for 'Who' series four

Freema Agyeman will return in the next series of Doctor Who, despite appearing to make an exit in Saturday's finale.

The BBC confirmed today (Monday) that Freema's character Martha Jones will make a "triumphant return" in the middle of the next series, which starts filming this month for transmission early next year. She will also appear in three episodes of the new series of Captain Jack spinoff Torchwood.

"Series three has gained outstanding reviews and Freema has been a huge part of that success," said exec producer Russell T Davies. "Now we are taking the character of Martha into brand new territory with a starring role in Torchwood."

Agyeman said: "It's a huge new challenge for me and I'm delighted Russell has decided to expand the character of Martha Jones."

Despite Martha's midseason return, The Doctor will be joined by a brand new companion for the full thirteen episode run of series four, the BBC also announced, adding that casting would be confirmed "shortly".

Details of David Tennant's tenure with the series still remain unconfirmed, although he is widely expected to stay on-board as the Doctor for at least the first half of series four.