Today's edition of The Sun states that "Auf Wiedersehen" star Noel Clarke will play the role of Mickey, Rose Tyler's (Billie Piper) boyfriend in the new series. Says The Sun: "Noel ù Geordie WayneÆs son Wyman in the hit comedy ù has signed to appear as Mickey, boyfriend of Rose Tyler, the Time LordÆs feisty sidekick." This confirms a rumor we've heard over the past week, and was confirmed on July 28 by BBC News. According to the "Drama on TV" section of the BBC website, Clarke's previous credits include Metrosexuality, Judge John Deed and Waking The Dead. The website also notes that "Away from acting, heÆs also a keen writer. One of his scripts was recently turned into a short film. He appeared on stage at the Royal Court Theatre in Where Do We Live directed by Richard Wilson. The performance earned him a Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Newcomer." (Thanks to Graham Cluley, Doug Chen)

Billie Piper appeared on ITV-1's mid-morning show "This Morning" today with a pre-recorded behind-the-scenes feature on her recent filming of the horror movie "Spirit Trap" in Romania. Their reporter Nikki Chapman interviewed her and they showed a few clips from the film. Billie mostly talked about her character, Jenny, and talked about all the action scenes she's had: "it's the most physical role I've ever had to do," she told Chapman. She also spoke briefly about her forthcoming role as Rose in "Doctor Who," in a section of the interview introduced by the Peter Howell version of the theme tune. Piper said she was "so excited" to do the series, and described it as "a huge thing". Eccleston is "one of my favourite actors," she said to Chapman, and she is "so nervous" about doing the show. (Thanks to Paul Hayes)