Kylie to star in Dr Who Christmas special

The 39-year-old actress and singer will have a "major lead role" in the hour-long special.

The episode, Voyage of the Damned, starts filming with David Tennant as the Timelord in Cardiff in July.

The story will follow on directly from the ending of the third series which finished on Saturday.

Minogue said: "It is an incredible thrill to be joining David and the entire Dr Who production for this year's Christmas special.

"Dr Who enjoys a unique history and it is going to be very exciting to be a part of that."

The episode has been written by Doctor Who's executive producer and head writer Russell T Davies.

He said: "We are delighted and excited to announce that Kylie Minogue will be joining the Doctor.

"Doctor Who Xmas specials are always a joy and we feel very confident that this will be the most ambitious and best Christmas episode yet."

The fourth series of Doctor Who - featuring two assistants - will return in spring next year.

Freema Agyeman, 28, who was rumoured to be facing the axe from the BBC1 revival, will be absent from the first half of the fourth series.

The mystery new companion will join the Doctor for the entire 13-week run of the next series and is expected to be announced shortly.