Kylie begins filming for 'Doctor Who'

Kylie Minogue has begun filming in Cardiff for her part in the Doctor Who Christmas special.

An on-set shot released by producers shows the singer crouched next to the Doctor, played by David Tennant, looking frightened.

She is in period dress for the role as Astrid, a waitress on the Titanic, in the episode entitled 'Voyage of the Damned'. It follows on from the last series which ended with the boat colliding with the Tardis.

Meanwhile, BBC chiefs have denied the show is focused on celebrity after it was confirmed Catherine Tate would become a second assistant to the Doctor in the next series.

Peter Fincham, BBC One controller, said: "That's absolutely editorial creative thinking. Doctor Who needs surprise. I think it's exciting. Doctor Who sets a high bar and you've got to keep jumping over it."