Who is the New Traveling Companion for "Doctor Who"?

The bloom truly IS off the Rose.

Doctor Who fans curious about the series' replacement for shopgirl Rose (the departing Billie Piper) need look no further, as BBC has released the identity of the Doctor's new traveling companion: 27-year-old newcomer Freema Agyeman will portray the latest in the line of travelers.

Agyeman will play Martha Jones, whom Doctor Who executive producer/writer Russell T. Davies describes as "the perfect foil for the Doctor." UK viewers of the series might recognize Agyeman, who appeared in the current (second) season's twelfth episode as a character named Adeola. However, Agyeman will not be returning as Adeola and will be joining the cast full-time as Martha Jones.

Agyeman had the following statement to make:

"I've been keeping this secret from my friends for months - it's been driving me mad! Auditioning with David in secret down in Cardiff was unbelievable, but I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd actually become the new companion. Billie [Piper] rightfully built up an amazing fan base and she will be missed, but I hope the fans are willing to go on new adventures with me."

But don't look for Freema to appear in this year's Doctor Who Christmas special. Instead Davies says that he has another surprise in store for viewers.

The current Doctor, David Tennant (who took over at the end of the first season for Christopher Eccleston), seemed excited to work with Agyeman. "Freema was a joy to work with in episode 12 of the current series, " said Tennant. "She is not only very talented and very beautiful, she's great fun and I'm delighted she's coming on board the TARDIS full time... I can't wait to welcome her into the Who family."

Filming on the thirteen-episode third season of Doctor Who, starring David Tennant and Freema Agyeman, begins this summer in Cardiff.