Doctor Who - New Assistant Michelle Ryan?

Former Eastender Michelle Ryan is being lined as Doctor Who's new assistant.

She has been picked by show bosses to replace Freema Agyeman in the new series next year.

Michelle, 24, will star with previously little-known actor Matt Smith, 26, who was announced as the 11th and youngest Time Lord earlier this month.

A source on the show said: "Michelle's been in secret talks with BBC bosses.

They are likely to announce her as Doctor Who's new assistant very soon. She is perfect for the role. She is goodlooking and the right age to star alongside Matt. Everyone agrees they look great together and reckon fans will think they're the perfect team too."

Michelle - who recently played sorceress Nimueh in hit BBC series Merlin - auditioned to play the Doctor's helper in 2005, hoping to take over from Billie Piper. She was turned down in favour of Freema, 29, and a year later got a big break and went to the US to star in The Bionic Woman. But the remake of a 70s TV favourite lasted just eight episodes and Michelle returned to Britain.

The source added: "The BBC launched Michelle's acting career as Zoe Slater in EastEnders and she will be thrilled to be back with them in such a legendary role.

"It's an incredible opportunity for her and even though she's had a lot of success already she is still young and at the start of her career."

Lily Allen, 23, Kelly Brook, 29, and 23-year-old Carey Mulligan - who played Sally Sparrow in a previous Doctor Who episode - have all recently been linked to the coveted assistant's role.

Source: Mirror