Yes, as you might have assumed from the title, the BBC announced the new Doctor Who companion for the whole of Series Four this morning, and it’s Catherine Tate. And she won’t even be “doing a Martha” and appearing as the slightly more upmarket cousin of bride-to-be Donna from last year’s Christmas special. No. She’s coming back as Donna. Earlier reports of the companion being “a significant piece of casting” are now understandable, but I’ll reserve judgement thanks. I didn’t particularly enjoy her performance opposite the Empress of the Racnoss, unlike Russell T Davies, apparently…

The fans’ favourite Executive Producer and Head Writer Russell T Davies, who will be bowing out of both roles at the end of next series, said: “Catherine was an absolute star in The Runaway Bride and we are delighted that one of Britain’s greatest talents has agreed to join us for the fourth series. Viewers can expect more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008.”

I hope we can expect her to have calmed down a bit, too. Thirteen episodes at breakneck pace and full Catherine Tate volume will be a bit much for ordinary human ears to take.

You’ll remember no doubt that the Doctor invited Donna to travel with him at the end of that episode, which she declined. The press asked Tate at the time if she would like to become the Doctor’s new companion and she replied: “I would love to, but no-one has asked!”

Now, she’s quoted as saying: “I am delighted to be returning to Doctor Who. I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey.”

Production on “the fourth series” of Doctor Who (with continued apologies to long-term fans who this nomenclature irritates like hell) starts this month and the new series starts on UK screens in Spring 2008. Stocks of ear-plugs are predicted to hit an all-time low, so get yours in early.