Doctor Who (series 1) months of speculation. In the April 2004 issue of "Doctor Who Magazine", Davies announced that Eccleston's Doctor would indeed be the Ninth Doctor, relegating Richard E. Grant's Shalka Doctor to non-official status. Russell T Davies revealed that Eccleston asked for the role in an e-mail. After the announcement that the show would be returning, Davies revealed that the new companion would "probably" be called Rose Tyler in an edition of "Doctor Who Magazine" published in November 2003. This name was confirmed in March 2004, and it was announced at the same time that former pop star Billie Piper was being
Doctor Who spin-offs the comic writers had the opportunity to depict the Eighth Doctor's regeneration into the Ninth Doctor, but declined when Davies refused to allow them to give the Ninth Doctor a companion prior to Rose Tyler. The publishers of "Doctor Who Magazine" have also produced many the spin-off publications including "Doctor Who Adventures", "Doctor Who Classic Comics" and many other special publications and annuals which include comics. "Doctor Who Magazine", which is now owned by Panini Comics continues to produce new comic strip adventures. Panini has reprinted many of the early DWM strips in trade paperback format. At the 2007 San