Kylie travels back in time for Titanic-themed Dr Who special

In this first on-set shot of the pop princess, Kylie, 39, crouches in fear next to the Timelord, played by David Tennant.

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The singer has been cast as Astrid, a waitress on the Titanic, in the Titantic-themed episode, 'Voyage of the Damned' for the programme's Christmas special.

The dramatic episode follows on from the cliffhanger ending of series three where viewers witnessed The Titanic crash through the Tardis walls.

Kylie is said to be "thrilled" at being asked to join the cast for a special appearance and Doctor Who executive producer and head writer Russell T Davies confirmed: "We are delighted that Kylie Minogue will be joining the Doctor.

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

Sitcom actors Geoffrey Palmer and Clive Swift will also play lead roles in the Christmas episode.

Speaking at today's BBC1 autumn season launch, BBC1 controller Peter Fincham joked: "As we lose Neighbours we gain Kylie."

It was announced comedian Catherine Tate will reprise her role as Donna, the runaway bride, as the sidekick to David Tennant's Doctor next year.

Freema Agyeman is also set to return when the new series goes out in spring next year - but she will only be one of two assistants.

Tate, who is best known for her comedy catchphrase "am I bovvered?", played Donna in the show's last Christmas special.

Mr Fincham denied the BBC had been blinded by the allure of celebrity in recruiting Tate, he said: "That's absolutely editorial creative thinking.

"Doctor Who needs surprise. I would completely back and defend Russell's right to evolve and develop the series as he thinks editorially. It's purely an editorial thing.

"I think it's exciting. Doctor Who sets a high bar and you've got to keep jumping over it."

• Kylie earned £4.5million in the year she took off to battle breast cancer, it was revealed.

Despite withdrawing from the public eye to fight the disease, the pop star almost doubled her income from the previous year.