In probably what could be the largest cast upheaval in "Doctor Who's" more than 40-year history, it seems that not only will the show lose its third companion in as many years, but The Doctor himself.
Catherine Tate, who joined the show as the new full-time companion for the upcoming fourth season, recently told Radio 2 that this is likely the final season for David Tennant as The Doctor, who took over in the second season from Christopher Eccleston, and that she may not go any longer than her predecessor, Freema Agyeman.
The departure could come even as early as the end of the upcoming season, as Tate wouldn't say whether or not Tennant would appear in three specials that will provide "Doctor Who" for 2009, reportedly done to make room for Tennant's stage schedule that year.
While Tennant is up in the air, it is certain that Tate will not be sticking around past the fourth season. She confirmed that she is only a one-year companion.
BBC did not comment on the Tate's statements. Tate joined the cast after Agyeman -- who played Martha Jones -- didn't seem to catch the eye of producers who were working to replace the very popular Billie Piper. Tate showed up in the second Christmas special of the modern series, playing a runaway bride that The Doctor meets right after he lost Rose into a mirror universe. That episode attracted nearly 10 million viewers.
"Doctor Who" returns with its annual Christmas special on Dec. 25 with Kylie Minogue on BBC, and will air its fourth season -- which features the return of Agyeman and Piper -- in early 2008.
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Michael Hinman is the founder and site coordinator for Airlock Alpha and the entire BlipNetwork. He owns Quantum Global Media Inc., the parent corporation of the BlipNetwork. He's a print journalist by day, and lives in Tampa, Fla.
