Doctor Who: Maybe Murray?

Hot gossip from News Of The World suggests actress Hannah Murray is to become the new companion on Doctor Who next year, alongside Matt Smith's Time Lord. Murray played Cassie on the first two seasons of Skins, and BBC producers were allegedly impressed with how she handled that tough material. Nothing has been confirmed by the Beeb, but this is the first rumour that has a ring of truth about it. I have no deep knowledge of Murray's work on Skins, but purely on her looks: well, she looks younger than Smith (which will help their dynamic), and sort of resembles a mix between Carey Mulligan and Billie Piper (so maybe Steven Moffat is still going for a Sally Sparrow type?)

Departing showrunner Russell T. Davies has also said he doesn't want to "ruin anyone's chances" of being cast as the new companion by using them in this year's specials. Michelle Ryan co-stars with David Tennant this Easter. Ahem!