Astrid Peth

A waitress and 'forget-me-not girl' aboard the Titanic starliner, sneaking aboard without a ticket because she cannot stand the idea of never seeing the stars herself. She's cheerful, quick, and starved for adventure, drawn instantly to the Doctor as someone who might actually let her have one.

Kylie Minogue brings a bright, worldly warmth that keeps Astrid from being just a stock 'plucky companion for an episode' figure — she plays longing without self-pity, and curiosity without naivety. The role trades on the thrill of stunt casting, but Minogue earns it by making Astrid feel like someone who deserved more time than she gets.