David Tennant has denied claims made by actress Catherine Tate, that the next series of Doctor Who will be his last.

At the launch of the Christmas special, Tennant stated:

“Catherine Tate stitched me up good and proper.”

“I started getting all these phone calls on Saturday lunchtime saying apparently you’re leaving Doctor Who,” Tennant told the BBC. “Catherine Tate’s just announced it on Radio 2 – thanks Catherine!”

He added: “I said to her on Monday morning did you know you’ve caused a minor diplomatic incident? She was completely oblivious that the phone had been ringing off the hook.”

Tennant confirmed he has been signed for four Doctor Who specials in 2009, but has made no decision about the next series in 2010.

“I’m doing four more specials and beyond that no one’s asked me to make any decisions and I’m quite happy to be enigmatic for as long as possible,” he said.