The BBC has confirmed today that both Rose Tyler and Martha Jones will be back in the new series of Doctor Who!

The former companions, played by Billie Piper and Freema Agyeman, will feature in Episode 7, with their shock returns forming part of the “game-changing” cliffhanger arc at the end of the spring series. However, show producers are keeping exact plot details a secret until transmission, but have promised that the Doctor’s life will be “turned upside down” when he’s reunited with his two old friends.

“Ok, so I was lying when I said I had no plans to bring back previous companions,” showrunner Steven Moffat said. “The opportunity to see Rose and Martha with the Eleventh Doctor was too good to pass up. They both proved to be two of the most popular companions of recent years, and I can promise fans that from the moment they re-enter the Doctor’s life, it’s like they’ve never been away. And will Rose be back with her human Tenth Doctor in tow? I’m afraid you’ll have to wait and see…”

Meanwhile, Billie Piper has said that she is “thrilled” to be returning to her coveted role.

“I nearly passed out when I got the call,” she said. “Like many, I thought Rose’s ship had sailed, but the minute I picked up Steven’s amazing scripts, it was more than enough to make me see that there’s still life in the old girl yet! She’s just the same Rose she always was, but with a new side to her that I hope will satisfy fans. And of course, her return won’t be without its surprises – this is Rose we’re talking about!”

Freema Agyeman, who recently discussed the possibility of returning, added:

“I was over the moon when Steven Moffat asked me to come back. Martha has been a huge part of my life and I can’t wait to find out what she’s been getting up to. The last time we saw her she was working as a freelancer with Mickey, so I’m sure she’ll bring her new feisty lifestyle with her and we’ll see a new side to her character.”

There’s been no official confirmation that David Tennant will also be back as the human Tenth Doctor, but speculation has been rife since a shot of the old TARDIS was spotted in the new Series 6 trailer. Steven Moffat finished: “Rose and Martha are back for a reason, and you can bet your bottom dollar that it won’t be a good one! The Doctor has enough on his plate with Amy, so how will he cope when he has three girls to keep an eye on? And, perhaps more importantly, how will Amy cope with the competition?”