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Bollocks.

RTD stop with the special guests will ya? this isn't Eastenders.

Ho hum.

When are we gonna have a male conpanian? Its already starting to feel predictable and we only on season 3.

Just had 4 bottles of champagne so feeling angry raaaa

Posted by Glenn (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 01:01 AM BST #

I just had my mouth drop open and have trouble closing it, since hearing that Catherine Tate will be full time for series four! I loved her role for "Runaway Bride" but it was played like a one-note, one-off, character, requiring only one adventure, NOT 14! Unless the entire personality of Donna develops into to something with depth, the annoying wise-cracking is going to wear thin, and fast....

Posted by Meredith Evonne (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 01:03 AM BST
Website: http://www.myspace.com/drwseries3usa #

Sally Sparrow was robbed!

Posted by Paul B. (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 01:04 AM BST #

can anyone explain how this might be a good idea?? oh no i've just noticed i have to answer a maths question to post this.

Posted by marc henry (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 01:42 AM BST #

yes it seems catherine tate is the new assistant. k9 the holiday is off. K9 what is 5 + 52?

Posted by 127.0.0.1 on July 04, 2007 at 01:48 AM BST #

I feel sick!

Posted by Mike Pale (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 03:36 AM BST #

Are we sure CT is around for the whole run? Agency reports I saw just say she's back in the 14th series, not as a regular. The comments about other guest stars seem to point towards it being a guest role, maybe a few.

Posted by Martin Gray (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 03:40 AM BST #

I would like to see a male companion...I was hoping for the kid from the human nature two parter...he acted well and I thought he'd have fit in nice with The Doctor and The Medical Student. But it didn't happen....

I wouldn't mind seeing Martha again but I can take or leave her...

My favourite choice for new companion would be Sally...

BUT!

If it's Donna, so be it. Any questionable casting can be handled by GOOD WRITING.

Thats all we need ok, GOOD FECKIN WRITING!!!

Do you hear me Davies?

I'm done.

Posted by Jude (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 04:33 AM BST
Website: http://chewedmelon.deviantart.com #

Martha's definitely been robbed...

That's wrong, wrong, WRONG !!

Posted by Michele (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 06:18 AM BST
Website: http://scholar-blog.blogspot.com/ #

I had to make sure it wasn't April 1st when I read the news. Sigh. Please let there be more to Donna than what we saw at Christmas.

Posted by Elaine (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 07:46 AM BST
Website: http://www.neuroticcamel.com #

Ewww...why?..Donna..(i'm at a loss for words..)*sigh*(no wait scratch that last-something does come to mind)"Why her?She was so a one dementional character,no depth what so ever"-and plus personally all i keep thinking is "Pass"...I'll have my fingers crossed that the writing is excelent and that (even though i have a higher chance of winning the lottery twice over)i grow to like her..(here's hopping!)

Posted by Cristinne Cullenn (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 07:51 AM BST #

Much as I've waved the flag for RTD over the past three years, I don't think I've ever been so disappointed! Of course the casual viewer will absolutely lap this up, so it can only be good for the ratings.

Now I'm off to have a little cry.

Posted by Rick (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 07:54 AM BST #

Catherine Tate as the new companion "Am I bovered?" I think not.

She was very good in the Runaway Bride and was the saving fact for the Doctor, she came along when he had just lost Rose (Sob!) and was the exact type of person he needed to get him back on his feet. Yes Donna is Loud, Bossy and wants her own way, but is that not the same as the doctor??????

And on top of that when Martha comes back into Dr Who somewhere within the fourth season sparks are sure to fly......... well as long as RTD is not writing the scripts, now dont get me wrong I worshop the man for bringing Doctor Who back to our screens but, please, please let someone else write the scripts please.

Did I say PLEASE

Posted by Tony Rice (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 07:55 AM BST #

once was waaay more than enough thankyou very much...

how about an alien companion?
how about someone not from contemporary London?

meh!

Posted by d a v 3 y (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 08:01 AM BST #

bonnie langford

nuff said

Posted by Steve G (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 08:03 AM BST #

Frankly i liked 'The Runaway Bride' and yes Donna was bolshy, nothing wrong with that. The doctor could do with some bolshiness now and again.

I think this is good news, let's give her a chance people and stop this moaning before it even starts. Remember 'The Runaway Bride' was one episode so there was only so much they could do with her character. Now she is the going to be in the entire 4th series, her character can be developed.

Martha was great and she will be back, i am looking forward to see what happens.

Posted by Cybos (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 08:56 AM BST #

Oh great. A loud, stroppy, vulgar fishwife, played by a one-note, one-joke talentless character "comedian". It was a real chore watching her in the Christmas episode, and I certainly don't see myself watching her for an entire series. My wife and kids didn't like her either, so that might be an entire family of viewers lost because of this horrible decision. What were they thinking of?

Posted by Duncan (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 08:57 AM BST #

Three words: 'Jump', 'the' and 'shark'

Posted by Simon D (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 08:59 AM BST #

No! No! No! No! This is soooooooooooo Wrong! Catherine Tate was mind bogginglly Miscast. One note panto performance, This is a mistake, a big mistake! RTD NO! Can we start a Petition right now! No to Donna! Martha brilliant, Rose was cool, Cpt Jack was funny...this is WRONG! So wrong!

Has JNT possesed RTD body.

Posted by Donna? What the F.....! (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:07 AM BST #

Look I didn't like the character in Runaway Bride either. This along with the botched ending of the finale makes me think they don't even want to give people what they want. They don't have a clue. The character wasn't even popular.
HOWEVER and this is a big one! Catherine Tate is a great actress. If they write the character well she will be really good in it. IF and it's a big IF. People need to get past the BOVVERED rubbish. Yeah she's a shit comedian, irritating, but her acting in a recent ITV drama was excellent. So all she needs is a decent script.
Hmmmmmm that's the bugbear isn't it?

Posted by Ben ReillyUK (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:20 AM BST #

i hope you are right. the runaway bride script was the only time RTD has dropped the ball. she is the jar jar of the new series. she isn't funny and her show is repeatitive and poor. lets hope she brings none of that to the new series like she did in Xmas.

could they kill her, yes that's it . maybe that's the plan...couldn't kill rose or martha and cpt jack is cpt scarlet so i guess donna will die....die moo ha ha ha ha that's it. just as she stops being a super uber chav-POW, the master returns played by christopher biggins and puts a terminal custard pie in her face.

Posted by Donna? What the F..... (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:33 AM BST #

This rings bells with me...
So called comedy actress has reasonable success in comedy sketch show and then branches out into more dramatic roles. A nation scoffs.
The time? Late eighties.
Her name? Emma Thompson.
Lets wait and see people, eh?

Posted by Sooty (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:39 AM BST
Website: http://www.paslimited@btinternet.com #

This scares me. A lot. But as people have said, if the writing is good and Tate takes things a bit more seriously it could be ok. rather see someone new though. isn't the doctor supposed to travel through the whole of space and time? i'd like to see a bit more imagination in doctor who, new people and new worlds. thats what i fell in love with and what inspired me when i was a child, not council estates.

Posted by slink (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:57 AM BST #

Ack, I was so rooting for Sally Sparrow.

And I too couldn't stand Donna last year, my hopes for Season 4 have been radically diminished.

Posted by Stew E (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:12 AM BST #

I quite liked Catherine Tate in The Runaway Bride and recently saw her in an ITV drama that proved she can play serious roles. I agree with what some people have posted earlier that the only thing that will let the show down will be poor writing.

Would have preferred Sally Sparrow though, more interesting character and easy on the eye is always a winning combination.

Posted by Tomh (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:15 AM BST #

Would anyone liked to have seen a companion that isnt from 21st century britain, We need a companion like Jamie Macrimmon, someone from further back in time would open up a huge amount of writing opportunities.

Posted by Tomh (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:21 AM BST #

My initial reaction was "What the ****?" but the more I think about this the better idea I think it is. I think it'll add an interesting dynamic to the doctor / companion relationship. Although one dimensional in The Runaway Bride the character has huge potential. After having 2 female companions who worshipped the ground the doctor walked on it will be a refreshing change to have a companion as objectional (and thick?!)as Donna first appeared to be. I hope she'll develop into a character who'll question the doctors motives more, not understand the gravitas of the dangers she finds herself in and basically be hard work and a challenge for the doctor to keep happy. Yeah, I think I'm all for it! Bring on season 4! Ps. Oh crap, whats 9 + 29=?

Posted by Colin (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:22 AM BST #

This thread is not complete! I want to hear from Mallard.

Posted by Tom Baker's Scarf (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:26 AM BST #

Oh God NO! Please NOO! I love Doctor Who but Catherine Tate I despise. I nearly didn't watch the Christmas special and I don't know what I will do now. I'm torn between my love of Doctor Who and my hatred of Catherine Tate. I hope, for my sanity, that the BBC are just playing an awful, cruel and heartless trick onj us poor emotional fans

Posted by Nina (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:36 AM BST #

Oh.

"Great"

Posted by droid (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:41 AM BST #

In the words of the Doctor, "What...What...WHAT!!"

Are they trying to kill Doctor Who!!!!

No dissrespect to Ms Tate, she is great in her own show and a funny too at times. The inclusion of her in the last Xmas special was an interesting, if not a bit of a disapointing choice, but c'mon, Donna for all 13 episodes. What!!!!

I never warmed to the character of Donna. Shame, as Tate has acted well in other dramas, but she just does not appeal to me at the moment. Maybe if RTD gets his writing hands chopped off and Moffet is brought in as writer for all 23 episodes, then it might work....

Shame, I really liked Martha, maybe even a little more than Rose. Why did she have to leave.

Seems the fans never get our wishes fulfilled, wishes that will make the us happy and seem to make sense. I suppose at least there will be "oh I love you Doctor" rubbish and the back story has kind of been covered... mind you, who are they going to shoe horn in as her parent... Wayne & Wayneta Slob!! Geeeze!

I was really hoping for a Sally Sparrow comeback!
I think we missed a trick, what we should have done is slated Sally Sparrow and RTD would have promoted her to companion.

As the series hasnt actully started filming yet (I hope) lets all overly praise RTD's choice and speculate on possible Donna sotries and RTD will change his mind hopefully.

I guess its the Vicar of Dibley in next years Xmas special then is it!!

Hmmm, I think I'm switching to Primeval as the Time Travel show of my choice, besides, primeval has more chance of visitng alien world in my book!!

Posted by Prometheus (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:46 AM BST #

Hate the idea...Hate it, HATE IT!!! Seriously, when I heard the news it felt like we were heading for the old days with Bonnie. I don't want Doctor Who to become a mockery again and the Character of Donna will do that...Imagine her reacting to Daleks or Cybermen, it just doesn't work! I loved the character or Martha and it's criminal that Freema isn't back for the whole 'forth' season...sigh...ok, ok...Maybe it's because I'm in my 30's and being a little over protective of my 'baby', but I'm REALLY REALLY concerned with where this is going...

Posted by Spunky Backpack (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:53 AM BST #

Now I’ve had my little cry and a think, I agree with Colin, in that it may not be as bad as it initially sounds, I’m not a fan of Catherine Tate but I realise that she is a good actress, and it was an interesting dynamic between Donna and the Doctor in the Christmas special and it will be different to the last three series which everyone has been asking for.

To all those who are questioning the writing of the show? I still find it difficult to understand why people question the quality of the writing of a show that produced ‘Human Nature’, ‘Family of Blood’, ‘Blink’, ‘Utopia’ amongst many others in the past three years? There is absolutely nothing on television at the moment that is as well written as Doctor Who particularly as it has to cater for children as well!

Tomh, you raise an interesting point about having a companion from another era and much as I’d love to see it myself I don’t think the casual viewer would buy it. As I’ve stated before New Who has a large audience, much of which is comprised of people who would not dream of watching science fiction or Doctor Who before the rebirth. The companion is supposed to be the viewers eyes and ears, to give the viewer something to relate to, and this is why the majority of the time we have companion from 20th century Earth. Would your average 8 year old really relate to a chap from 18th century highlands or planet Zog? Introduce an alien companion and you take away what makes the Doctor unique, he is the alien perspective.

Posted by Rick (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 11:09 AM BST #

WHINE, MOAN, SAY NOTHING REMOTELY INTERESTING OR POSITIVE, SLAG OFF THIS NEWS WITHOUT GIVING IT A CHANCE, ANYONE WHO DISAGREES WITH ME IS WRONG, WRONG I TELL YOU, I AM SUPREME, I AM MASTER OF ALL HE SURVEYS, I THINK TWO PEOPLE ARE THE SAME PERSON BECAUSE I AM SO ARROGANT TO BELIEVE MORE THAN ONE PERSON COULD POSSIBLY DISAGREE WITH ME.
RHUBARBRHUBARBRHUBARBRHUBARBRHUBARBRHUBARBRHUBARB

Posted by The Mallard (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 11:10 AM BST #

Ok... so I've rewatched The Runaway Bride, and I'm a little less stunned. Donna can be annoying and shouty, but there are signs there that she is a nicer person - her insight that the Doctor needs someone, for example. And Catherine Tate doesn't come across as a bad actress. If the writing is good, perhaps it may not be so bad after all. Time will tell.

Posted by Elaine (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 11:18 AM BST
Website: http://www.neuroticcamel.com #

Hmm, need time to come to grips with this. I know what the missus will say when I tell her - she cannot stand Ms Tate and even ended up hating the Christmas special.

One note? Seems to be about right - hope the first episode makes her less annoying otherwise we'll be skipping season 4.

Posted by carl (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 11:36 AM BST #

What is RTD's apparent obsession with 'girls from the council estate with a brain'? I was never convinced by Rose and am even less convinced by Donna based on the Crimbo special. Martha at least had a brain. Do we really need a season 4 that consists of some gobby chracter going 'wot?' every five minutes?

Posted by Nath (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 11:48 AM BST #

surely the question is a mathS problem, unless you've been taken over by americans? o_O

why can the doctor not have a straight male companion with no artificially implanted sexual tension? I had no problem with Rose, but now Martha is swooning over him and we have another female companion on the cards? predictable much?

Posted by becky (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 12:20 PM BST #

Christ on a crutch.

Here's an idea. Why not get the Doctor to wear a big curly blonde wig and a multi-coloured longcoat.

Genius

Posted by Samson Horn (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 12:44 PM BST #

I am sure she will be fine. Yes, Donna was a bit too 'Catherine Tate Show' but as they only expected her to last 60 mins, I am sure that was intentional and wont bleed into teh series proper. At least this way, we dont have to waste episode 1 setting up a new character. Donna is ready made, already has a family and friends as back ups.... the logical choice if you ask me.

Posted by Paul Robinson (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 12:54 PM BST
Website: http://www.queenieboy.blogspot.com #

Why would they do this to us?
Donna Noble?
How could they to this to Martha?
Or us?
Her character could never portay the emotion Martha did.
I'm beginning to feel that the world of Doctor Who is spiralling into the world of desperation and how much they can shock us. Which, in this case, has worked. But for all the wrong reasons.

Posted by Pamitta (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 12:56 PM BST #

Enjoyed CT in Runaway Bride but kept seeing Lauren & Nan in some of her lines. I think it's going to be hard to believe in Donna as a person & not just as CT during the whole run.

At least I shouldn't be putting any romantic link between the Doctor & Donna which is good.

Posted by Sue Flower (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 01:10 PM BST #

dammit.

Posted by a pissed tin spider (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 01:18 PM BST #

Is Larry coming back, talking about a male companion? So the Doctor can recognise him (but not Sally) as he runs past the shop with Martha who didn't seem to recognise him, so maybe he meets him with Donna before Martha comes back??? Or maybe it was all a dream, or happened between episodes or something...

Posted by ash (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 01:20 PM BST #

Say what you like about RTD's writing, he does know how to do character development. Watch 'Rose' then 'Doomsday'. Watch 'Smith & Jones' then 'Last Of The Timelords'
These characters grow and mature the more they are put in danger. Who would have guessed that the Martha we saw in 'Smith & Jones' would end up walking the earth for a year, purely because of her faith in the Doctor. Frankly I can see Donna starting off shouty (and maybe protesting a bit? Accidental companions have happened before), before finding her inner strength and growing as a person.
I just hope she's not another one who falls for the Doctor. Not everyone wants Timelord rumpy-pumpy.
Give it a chance people. I thought Billie Piper was a disasterous choice to bring back Who. I was wrong.

Posted by Ian Cliffe (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 01:36 PM BST #

Can we have Rose back now please?

Posted by Andys_Vox (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 01:38 PM BST #

Aren't you all overreacting a bit?

I feel wary myself about Donna becoming a regular companion but all we've seen so far is a comedy character for the christmas special. I'm sure with a whole series to appear in the character will be allowed to develop and grow- I don't think for one second she'll be the same person we saw in The Runaway Bride.
I still recall the uproar over the announcement of Billie Piper's casting and look how popular she became.

So, I share everyone's trepidation over the return of Donna, but I'm able to keep an open mind about it and see how things develop.

Posted by Andy (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 02:29 PM BST #

I have to say that Donna/Catherine Tate would not have been my first choice as new companion.But I rewatched The Runaway Bride the other day and I liked her more than I did first time around.I would have preferred more of Martha and Freema.But the thought has just occurred to me that when Martha returns there could be sparks flying in TARDIS from somewhere other than the console.
And I think by now we should all know that Russell knows what he is doing.I hold onto that thought when I think of Kylie.

Posted by Mark Welsby (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 02:32 PM BST #

Catherine Tate was great in the Runaway Bride because the character was supposed to be annoying and a complete contrast to Rose. That's fine for a one-off, but for a whole season? I'm not sure that I could take that. The writers are really going to have their work cut out to make that character likeable. There were hints at the end of the Xmas Special, so maybe they can pull it off. Considering that they've made Doctor Who once again the nation's favourite show, I think that we ought to give them the benefit of the (quite considerable doubt).

Posted by Darrenhf (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 02:33 PM BST
Website: http://www.scififreak.me.uk #

Please dont do this RTD, my kids relate to the younger assistant character, and I like my father before , enjoy the eye candy that can act, so to bring in another adult, well its more Torchwood than DR.Who, which is a childrens show afterall. My kids loved the Sally Sparrow character and so far Blink has been their favourite episode this series. Sallys boyfriends staring(sic) performance in Blink was classic Dr.Who and a straight male companion with geeky humour would reinvigourate to the series.

Posted by human human (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 02:44 PM BST #

normally I like to be a little balanced in my comments, but all I can say is this :- PLEASE, GOD NOOOO!!! i hated her in the the christmas special... I loved martha,she actually seemed to stand up to the doctor more than anyone else before(including rose) and as numerous other people are saying, why couldn't we have had sally sparrow? up till now I've always been pretty optimistic and forgiving, but now I fear bad things for the future... PLEASE say that martha will be returning for a while.... Ifear that if things continue on in this way, then doctor who may be "rested" again before too long(or, since RTD is supposed to be leaving at the end of this yea, maybe he doesn't care anymore(controversial I know, but...)

Posted by wolfman (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 03:08 PM BST #

DR WHO RIP. well is nt this strange RTD is leaving after season 4 after he kills this programe with the obnoxious mis casting of bonnie oh sorry catherine tate. cant beleieve he is doing this to us. oh and please bring back the sea devils . is this end of dr who maybe it is

Posted by big si is crying (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 03:28 PM BST #

She's got quite nice "humps' though.

Posted by Jaffa (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 03:31 PM BST #

Since when have Donna & martha being 'Girls off council estates with brains'. Only Rose was that, both Donna & Martha lived in town houses.

I have no problem with this, as others have said give it a chance before criticising.

I couldn't be happier about the christmas special and series 4.

Posted by LM (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 03:34 PM BST #

DONNA (Constantly shouting) Wot's that? wot's this? Why are you doing that? 'o's he? Why did 'e do that? Am I bovered, Am I funny, Am I entetaining?, Am I Bollo...

DOCTOR (to Camera) I'm sorry, I'm so sorry

Posted by Donnas what the f.... (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 03:53 PM BST #

WHINE! WHINE! WHINE!

you're all acting like big babies having their toy taken from them!

Fine, go and dust down your BBC video collection and stick with that well the rest of us enjoy the next series!

Posted by Drew (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 03:54 PM BST #

Well said, Alan!

Posted by Drew (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 04:00 PM BST #

Oh please...
you call that an argument yourself, human?

all this moaning and crying doesn't change a thing. Donna IS ging to be the companion- get over it.

Whether you like her or not is irrelevant- the programme isnt being made to cater for fandom's particular tastes and thank god for that!

Whatever happens with the programme you'll all find something to moan about but you'll still watch it anyway....

So moan all you like, it won't change a thing.

Posted by Andy (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 04:10 PM BST #

I'm not thrilled about this news. I've been trawling the forums all day and while I can understand that her character might be calmed down a bit for a whole series instead of the one-off (plus it was Xmas, so they had to make it fun etc etc etc), it's still not for me.

I get the whole 'the Doc needs a companion who won't fancy him' thing and I also get the whole 'it's time for a more mature companion' thing. But Tate ain't it for me. This just smacks of publicity stunt and I'm very disappointed (compare the Ashes… casting with this for example).

Sally Sparrow has been such a popular suggestion with many fans that I'm surprised they haven't asked her. Maybe they did and she was busy, but Tate? Tate? What a facking liberty!

I'll tune in and am really hoping my mind will be changed, but I'm dreading next spring. I really am… :(

Posted by Badger Madge (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 04:11 PM BST
Website: http://bmtv.blogspot.com #

Since when has protest been a dirty word, since when has passion been derided, oh yes when the middle-classes jump on the bandwagon. Filming hasn't started and the children deserve better.

Posted by human human (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 04:22 PM BST #

Well, if thats how you feel- show them what you think to be "better".

How typical of fandom to rip to shreds something that hasnt even been filmed yet.

Posted by Andy (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 04:25 PM BST #

Typical Who fandom, deserved of nothing yet feels they're owed the universe.

WAIT AND SEE. Then please feel free to come back here and fire off missives about how the production team hate you and you used to be best mates with the Doctor but that's it, he's never borrowing your Griffter again.

Donna was about to get married; one of the most stressful experiences in someone's life. I've done it, it's less nerves and more heart-pouding terror. No wonder she bloody shouted at being kidnapped. Let's judge her at least 3 episodes in.

Posted by Miles I. Hamer (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 04:33 PM BST
Website: http://www.myspace.com/thetabloidpress #

Whinge. Whinge. Whinge. Moan. Moan. Moan. And being officially encouraged by SFX Magazine as well.

And yet the next time they come to interview RTD or when they interview Tate, as they will, you won't hear one word of complaint from Berriman's hypocritical mouth.

Posted by Peter Paul (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 04:40 PM BST #

Erm... Nervous trepidation here. I loathed her in The Runaway Bride, but I can appreciate that away from the stress of being ripped away from her wedding and finding out her fiancee hates her and wants to feed her to giant spiders, she might have potential. Certainly, the Moffat two-parter will be good, but the prospect of a super-powered Donna in RTD's finale chills my blood.

That said, my initial reaction was along the lines of NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by shinysavage (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 04:46 PM BST #

There is no upside to this announcement; Martha gone and the screaming harridan to take her place. Hello, Donna, goodbye Doctor.
Oh well, three years was longer than I expected it to be on TV, so the fact that I won't be watching the fourth series shouldn't be too hard a blow.
Sob.
More sobbing.

Posted by Hannibal (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 04:56 PM BST #

Bye then. You won't be missed.

Posted by dv8r (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 05:03 PM BST #

WHAT??!!! i thought sally sparrow migth....

Posted by katie (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 05:07 PM BST #

what unbelievable arrogance to assume that because someone doesnt like something the programme is over. it's over only for you.

narrow-minded drama queens....

Posted by dv8r (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 05:09 PM BST #

Considering that the sadder elements of fandom have been predicting "this will be the thing that turns the public away from Doctor Who" every other episode from Aliens Of London onwards, without ever being right, I'd have thought they might start to get the hint by now.

And when the series remains just as popular and successful next year as it's been to date will even one of them admit they were wrong? I won't be holding my breath.

Posted by Peter Paul (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 05:28 PM BST #

Not sure about jumping the shark (awful short-hand phrase Comic Book Guys adore) but there's the usual knee-jerk reaction from fans.

Remember the announcement of Billie Piper. What a pop starlet from the Sylvia Young School - shades of Bonnie Langford.

If we get the Donna from the last few minutes of the Xmas special - you know, the one who had grown because of her adventure and developed a sympathetic attitude - this will work splendidly. Nice to have someone over-30 with the Doctor.

Posted by 127.0.0.1 on July 04, 2007 at 05:29 PM BST #

CHANGE!!!!

ITS ALL PART OF LIFE!!

YOU EITHER ROLL WITH IT, OR BECOME LEFT BEHIND.

ITS THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS!!

GENERALLY SCI-FI FANS HATE CHANGE, I EMBRACE IT, THERES NO POINT MOANING, THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON!

CURRENTLY YOU HAVE 2 'WHO' SHOWS ON TV ( GREAT )
BUT STILL EVERYONE MOANS. WHY ???

TORCHWOOD IS CONSTANTLY SLAGGED OFF!!

IN 2, 3 , 5 , 10 YEARS TIME - HOWEVER LONG , DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOULL HAVE ???

SWEET F.A !!!!!

SO, YOU PEOPLE ' REFUSING ' TO WATCH SOMETHING BECAUSE ' SOMEONE ' YOU DONT LIKE IS IN IT - YOU PEOPLE AINT GOT CLUE, ABOUT ANYTHING ???

DO YOU THINK THE BEEB CARES WHAT YOU THINK REALLY - NO.

THERE A BUSINESS, OUT TO MAKE MONEY - AND IF PUTTING TATE INTO WHO ACCOMPLISHES THAT ( WHICH IT WILL ) THEN THEY HAVE ACHIEVED WHAT THEY SET OUT TO DO.
AND WHY WILL THIS BE ACHIEVED ???
TATE IS A VERY POPULAR COMEDIENNE, COMBINE THAT WITH THE POPULARITY OF WHO, AND WHAT WILL YA GET - LARGER VIEWING FIGURES !!

WHILE IM AT IT- TENNANT WAS HIRED AS 'WHO' AT THE SAME TIME AS ECCLESTON - AND TENNANT WAS ALWAYS THERE 1ST CHOICE - ECCLESTON ONLY HAD A 1 YR CONTRACT AND THEY KNEW FROM THE VERY START THAT THEY WERE GONNA KILL HIM OFF ????

WHY ???

VIEWING FIGURES / PUBLICITY- PLAIN AND SIMPLE - THATS WHY IT WAS ANNOUNCED THE DAY AFTER ' ROSE ' AIRED -
IF THERES ONE THING WHOS GOT - ITS GREAT MARKETING AND PUBLICISTS, THEY LIKE TO SHAKE THINGS UP AT THE END OF EACH YEAR, ITS BECOME THE NORM.

Posted by Alan Waterman (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 05:37 PM BST #

I actually think it's a smart casting decision by Mr Russell the T. She is actually a very good actress, she lifted the Runaway Bride thing (because as a script it was mostly dire) and she has a certain maturity about her that is actually quite refreshing (given that we now have 12 year old Doctors and 8 year old assistants).
Russell is good at balancing big "media" decisions with people who can actually deliver the goods (unlike JNT who was just went for the celebrity name, whatever their acting skills).

I reckon, with the right words, she'll be grand. And I do like her breasts, which after Kylie's rear, will be a lot of fun to watch.

Now all Russell has to do is subscribe to that script writers course advertised in the Daily Mail every week.

Posted by Jaffa (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 05:37 PM BST #

I'm torn.

On one hand, I found Donna extrememly unlikeable and annoying and just plain...eugh!

On the other, I do believe that CT can act. nIn the way that I am convinced by her.

unfortunately, she was convincingly dislikable.

On the plus side, she *was* going to go and see a bit of the world. She's proboably grown.

But will she have grown enough?

The fact is, that in the Xmas spesh, she was basically a lot of character traits. She didn't have much room for development. I think that, with a bit of work, on the writing, Danna can become far more 3 dimensional.

I hope.

Posted by Skitcher (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 05:39 PM BST #

ugh, I feel the spectre of bonnie langford hovering over my shoulder...but seriously, this reeks of someone in the bbc saying"hey ,doctor who is popular, and so is catherine tate!! would'nt it be great to put them together??" I fear we are heading back to the times where the bbc didn't give a shit as long as their ratings were good...

Posted by wolfman (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 05:49 PM BST #

What a pile of Torchwood.
On a previous thread inspired by Rich I spoke recently about my fears about this show pandering to one audience or the other, i.e the old guard fans who are having a hard time with some of the…decisions of late, and the general passing audience who may not be fans of Sci-fi but are responsible for increasing the shows ratings.
Alas it seems with this peace of casting they have made up their mind as to which side they prefer.
And who can blame them, this is the side with the largest audience, so they will guarantee ratings and insure that this show continues for a good few years yet, however these will not be the people who will remember the show in 20 years time, and be able to quote it chapter and verse.
In fact the very fans who grew up and resurrected the show in 2005.
Considering how many talented actors there are out there, no disrespect to Catherine, and in an entire universe of time and space to choose from instead of brining something new to this show we seem to be stuck in a rut here at a time when a change is desperately needed again.
RTD has clearly contracted the Lucas virus.
Oh and Cybos, stop copying my name, even if it is the most sensible thing you’ve ever written since your review on Timelash (must have had help from a grown up).

Posted by THE Mallard (original and best since 72) (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 06:02 PM BST #

Well done RTD, you've successfully managed to bring back a good scf-fi show only to kill it off again in 4 short years. Give yourself a pat on the back.

Posted by Kirk (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 06:09 PM BST #

What a load of drivel. I cannot believe that Catherine Tate was ever considered good for one episode, let alone an entire series. This is the final nail in the coffin of Dcotor who which in my opinion started after Doomsday.

Posted by angryfan (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 06:14 PM BST #

Oh, and Alan Waterman?

TURN THE CAPS LOCK OFF AND STOP BEING ALL ARROGANT JUST BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT OPINIONS FROM YOU DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SHOUT AT THEM

PEOPLE HAVE ONLY JUST FIND OUT GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO GET USED TO THE IDEA, WHEN PEOPLE FIRST HEARD CHRIS WAS LEAVING, IT TOOK LOADS OF PEOPLE AGES TO GET USED TO DAVID, SAME WITH BILLIE TO FREEMA, I WAS REALLY AGAINST IT THIS MORNING TO BUT I'M GOING TO GIVE HER A CHANCE BUT SHOUTING AT PEOPLE REALLY ISN'T GOING TO GET THEM ON YOUR SIDE, IS IT?

*deep breath*
There. It's not nice to be shouted at, is it?
It feels like reading only Harry;s dialogue in Harry Potter 5. Give the caps lock a rest!

Posted by Skitcher (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 06:17 PM BST #

Cathertine Tate is an absolutely inspired decision by the production team. She's a fantastic actress who can hold her own in everything from mass-market comedy to straight down the middle high-brow drama. Mark my words, you reactionists are going to eat your words this time next year. I can't WAIT to see how Donna develops, and if the final few minutes of The Runaway Bride are any indication, she's going to be bloody brilliant. Let's be honest, a male companion was never really going to work on RTD's Doctor Who, so to have a new female companion who is the polar opposite of the dewy-eyed Rose and Martha means even more dramatic potential and even more development of the character of the Doctor. So... see past the 'bovvered' nonsense and start looking forward to another blistering year of Who. Oh, and calm down a bit, will you?

Posted by monkeybaby (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 06:30 PM BST #

I cannot believe anyone is seriously considering watchiong who again after the drivel that was Last oif the Time lords, and the news that Kylie is goint to be in the XMAS special. Now this!!!!!

Posted by Kirk (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 06:38 PM BST #

KIRK

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE STOP WATCHING SOMETHING BECAUSE OF A CAST CHANGE OR BECAUSE A CERTAIN EPISODE WAS DEEMED POOR.

DOES ANYBODY - YOURSELF INCLUDED REALISE HOW BAD THE 1ST 7 EPISODES OF THIS SEASON WERE??

THEY WERE EXTREMELY POOR EPISODES AND I WAS SLAGGING THIS SEASON OFF SOMETHING WROTTEN, YET I STUCK WITH IT AND IT IMPROVED ITS GAME FOR THE LAST HALF.

GOOD LUCK TO CATHERINE TATE - ILL BE THERE SUPPORTING HER.

( SHE'LL ONLY STAY FOR ONE SEASON ANYHOW )

Posted by Alan Waterman (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 06:51 PM BST #

Of course I'll still watch it - beacause it is Doctor Who after all!!! But some of the decisions lately - you have to ask yourself what are they thinking??

Posted by Kirk (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 06:54 PM BST #

okay, so i composed a real diatribe of why this was wrong on so many levels, including a scathing criticism of both mallard and cybos, but at the end of the day, I can't be bothered- clearly bbc management are taking control once again
catherine tate(who can be a fine actress) will just treat this as another job, and I suspect that doctor who will be phased out within the next three years... LOVE martha on so many levels- someone who can be an equal to the doctor (even more than rose) ugh, I am generally an optimistic person, but this news has just sapped my will to live... and don't blame RTD for killing it off again, blame the management!!! IN SUMMARY:- NOOOOOOOOO!!

Posted by wolfman (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 07:00 PM BST #

its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!its not true!

Everyone start thinking this and hopefully if enough of us do so the psychic energy our thoughts create will change the world!

Posted by richard (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 07:13 PM BST #

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!
I was appalled when I heard this, Catherine Tate was the worst thing about the christmas special,about as annoying as you can get. Doctor Who does not need celebrities in it every 5 seconds to win over audiences, the quality of the writing has done and will do that all by itself. I don't think I could actually bear to watch another episode with Tate in, yet alone a whole season.

Posted by Sarah S (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 07:21 PM BST #

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

What the hell is RTD thinking? I'll have to give season 4 a miss in case I damage my TV with my foot. I can't stand that woman. I really, really didn't like The Runaway Bride at all.

Martha/Freema is great. And if not her, then the wonderful Sally Sparrow should have come back - or better still, get her own show.

Time for RTD to go before he kills what he brilliantly resurrected. Get Steven Moffat in to run the show and be head writer. He really understands how to write for DW.

Posted by Nick (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 07:37 PM BST #

You people make me sick!! How about actually watching it before passing judgement.

Posted by WhoRocks. (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 07:45 PM BST #

ITS ABOUT TIME YOU PEOPLE GOT A GRIP OF YERSELVES AND STOPPED CRYING OVER SOMETHING YOU HAVENT EVEN SEEN YET! THE PROGRAMME IS BETTER OFF WITH "FANS" LIKE YOU SO GO AND REWATCH YOUR COPIES OF "MEGLOS", ETC. DO YOU SERIOUSLY THINK WE'D BE WATCHING THE SAME DONNA FROM THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL FOR 13 EPISODES??

SO YOU'RE NOT GONNA WATCH IT- SUIT YERSELVES. DOESN'T MEAN THE PROGRAMME IS GONNA END BECAUSE YOU DON'T LIKE IT. YOU'LL STILL TUNE IN DESPITE ALL THE WAFFLE.

IF ANY OF YOU HAD ANY SENSE, YOU'D WAIT TIL YOU'D SEEN THE EPISODES BEFORE RIPPING IT APART BUT WHEN DID FANDOM EVER SAY ANYTHING SENSIBLE...?

Posted by dv8r (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 07:54 PM BST #

damn, meant to say the programme is better off WITHOUT fans like you! Thank I made myself clear anyway.

Posted by dv8r (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 08:06 PM BST #

What? I just checked the date and unfortunately it's not April 1st. I hope that someone that the Beb is having a laugh.

Posted by Chris Tovell (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 08:19 PM BST #

It seems to me that is us, the fans, that cause a lot of the problems for the programme.

We whinge and moan and bitch about anything the production team do that should be good for the programme but it's spoiled by us as we piss and moan about what a bad thing it is and it's not what we would do etc.

News flash: we're not the ones making the programme; we're not the ones that have to try and make it attractive to a GLOBAL audience.

Catherine Tate is very popular and very well-known - an instantly recognisable face. She's bound to generate some good publicity for the show.

I actually cannot stand her and was pleasantly surprised by The Runaway Bride as it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Anyway, as other folks have said, wait until we see first and then rip the shit out of the show. If we're lucky, with all our bad reviews and comments, the BBC will pull the plug on the show and we'll not see the Doctor again for another 16 years or so...

Posted by Keith (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 08:57 PM BST #

Hell, bring back Ace - or anyone, just not her.

Posted by wizard (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 08:57 PM BST #

Wait a minute, I think i hear something!!!
Oh it's the beeb killing off yet another sci-fi show. Tut tut BBC hang your heads in shame.

Posted by loner (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:09 PM BST #

* Still banging head against wall in frustration and denial *

Ah you just watch, it’s not Donna it’s actually the Rani.
Considering some of the ridiculous decisions and directions that this show has been taking, of late, I wouldn’t put anything passed them.
TO HELL WITH BEING OBJECTIVE HERE, THIS NEWS SUCKS!
Just four poultry days after wondering who the next lucky traveller will be in the phone box and we get this.
ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

* Returns to wall *

Posted by The Mallard (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:19 PM BST #

Mallard Wrote: And who can blame them, this is the side with the largest audience, so they will guarantee ratings and insure that this show continues for a good few years yet, however these will not be the people who will remember the show in 20 years time, and be able to quote it chapter and verse.
In fact the very fans who grew up and resurrected the show in 2005.

-----------------------------------------------

I'm sorry to break this to you Mallard but there is an army of eight years old kids out there who will remember the show in 20 years time in exactly the same way as we have. As much as you want to believe that just because we loved the show before the 2005 that in someway means we own the show. I'm sorry but we dont! And it was'nt us who resurrected the show in 2005 it was RTD and the BBC.

And Jaffa, I actually agree with most of your comments including the breasts (christ that made me laugh!!!).

Posted by Rick (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:27 PM BST #

So because a handful of moaners who just don't like Catherine Tate it means the programme is being killed off, does it? Is Doctor Who really over because of this? I find that extremely arrogant and small-minded.
It's one thing to dislike an actor/character and voice your opinion on it, but to assume that the death knell is sounding because SOME of you don't approve of some choices really does smack of arrogance - especially as you haven't seen anything yet.

For the most part, RTD's vision of Doctor Who has been incredibly successful and popular and I see no reason to start doubting it now. Perhaps some of you are clairvoyant enough to see disaster ahead but I very much doubt it. Those who are surprised at how long the new series has lasted speaks of what little faith you have.

You can complain and moan as much as you like - its what most of you seem to be good at - but I really don't believe Doctor Who is going to finish because it can't appeal to everyone all of the time.

Posted by Andy (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:43 PM BST #

I too remember fondly donnas breasts. The onbly good thing about that episode. Oh and the Doctor slaughtering an entire race.

Posted by thewire (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:44 PM BST #

I've wasted an entire evening visiting websites to moan about Tate. Why oh why. RTD must know she's an unpopular choice. Didn't he read anything after the xmas episode aired. It's not to late. Pull Tate off this and insert Sally Sparrow. Other than that, how about another old companion that the Doctor 'uses' to fill the void left by Martha? With 39 seasons of this there must be somebody else..... anybody else!

Posted by hansello (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 09:52 PM BST #

* Still there at wall *

Rich, RTD was who I was talking about.
And you know what the BBC did to this show last time, can you blame anyone for being spooked at this news?

* Returns to wall *

Posted by The Mallard (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:02 PM BST #

the reason the show died the first time round was because noone believed in it anymore,... after 26 years it had become tired, dated and embarressing. I think its very premature to think the new series is going down that route already...

Posted by dv8r (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:11 PM BST #

I agree with what most people are saying. First I hear that Kylie Minogue is appearing in the Xmas special - then this news about Catherine Tate being in the entirety of Series 4. NO! AND NO!!

Why do RTD and co. think celebrities are necessary to the show's success? Focus on the stories, the acting, the action, and the villians/monsters!! RTD - in appealing to the casual viewers by making your latest casting decisions, you are seriously alienating the 'older' fan base! Catherine Tate's character was annoying!

When I heard there would be a new companion, I though 'best to go for a man - possible Asian or Oriental' (as we've not had that before). And yes, having someone from somewhere other than London, or even Earth, would've been interesting.

Sally Sparrow... Yes! Also a good idea!

Still, I don't think RTD will listen. He wasn't publically prepared to listen when he was told Touchwood had mixed reviews.

I now have mixed feelings on whether to watch Series 4.

Posted by The White Guardian (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:14 PM BST #

Disaster. Stop the clock. Close the curtains. Cover the mirrors. The Doctor is dead.

Posted by Andy (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:16 PM BST #

Was Bonnie Langford busy?

Posted by Andy (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:18 PM BST #

The problem I have with Donna is she is thick.

Martha was training to be a doctor, Rose was full of life and learning everyday.

Donna shouts, moans about her friends and clothes. WOW! what a dream companian.

Do u remember Sarah Jane bitching about the prices at AKIA
or Leela having a stress when her I pod wasn't working.

I worry the brain is about to fall of Dr who

The magic of a young innocent seeing the galaxy will be replaced by a mouthy know it all with the Dress sense of ....oh my god! Colin Bakers Back

Posted by Donna what the f... (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:29 PM BST #

Certainly no signs of said demise 7.51 million people watched the last episode and only a few episodes before this we had 3 or 4 episodes that everyone was absolutely raving about and saying they were the best episodes in years if not ever!

Posted by Rick (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:31 PM BST #

This is just really disappointing. Catherine Tate is so annoying. I wont be able to watch Dr Who any more. I thought the Martha character was really good. If they really wanted to add another person into the mix - Sally Sparrow would have been a much better choice. How annoying. I've lost interest now.

Posted by sue (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:35 PM BST #

Okay - my initial reaction to this was one long NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, but I'll give her 4 episodes to change my view that she's a talentless humour free zone.

As an aside to some of the posters above - Bonnie Langford was indeed terrible in the TV show, albeit she has herself said that she thought her character was poorly written, but I can heartily recommend her performances in the Big Finish Audio Adventures. A good example that strong writing can overcome perceived acting limitations

Posted by Tim the Enchanter (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:40 PM BST #

I want RTD to include the Cheeky Girls, Jade Goody, Anthea Turner, Pete from Big Brother, Pat Sharp, the Chuckle Brothers, Dale Winton, Paris Hilton and Gareth Gates in an episode of Dr Who, preferably as companions just so that Fandom would have a major mass coronary and therefore shut up bleating and disappear up it's collective conceited arse so the rest of us can enjoy the series! you lot always think you know better- so why aren't you producing the show??

Posted by dv8r (127.0.0.1) on July 04, 2007 at 10:49 PM BST #

This is absolute rubbish. I cant stand Catherine Tate she is one of the most annoying people on the planet. The BBC has made massive mistake casting her as the new sidekick. I will most likely not be watching Dr Who next season.

Posted by Liam (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 12:01 AM BST
Website: http://www.liamdaly.co.uk #

bye bye then. we'll miss you.... not.

Posted by lazarus (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 12:05 AM BST #

So hands up anyone who belives that those people who say they won't be watching next year, really won't be watching next year.

Anyone?

Anyone?

Posted by Peter Paul (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 01:30 AM BST #

I work as a part time at a primary school and all the kids really like Dr Who, Rose was their Fav! Martha coming a close 2nd. But I can't really see the younger fanbase of Dr who empathising with Donna, who is the same age as some of their teachers!

For years The assistant has been an intelligent counter part to the Dr. Donna has Shades Of Tegan, Mouthy! You remember The girl in Temple of Doom that's Donna. screaming, Complaining and breaking a nail.Is that a worthy travelling Companian

" I only take the best"

When the Dr said come with me to Donna, he was clearly on the rebound over Rose and desperate for any regular human contact.

To quote another Sci fi series that started off well that went to the dogs

" You're taking an awful risk, This had better work"

Posted by Donna? What the f.... (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 05:17 AM BST #

Things that I loved about the character of Donna in The Runaway Bride:

- when she defuses the anger of an entire roomful of guests at her reception by faking tears (and then gives the Doctor a cheeky wink). Clever, lateral thinking, and with a bit of chutzpah.

- taking charge and shepherding the children out of the room when the Santas attacked.

- laughing her balls off as she rode through an underground tunnel on a daft machine.

- distracting the Empress as Lance crept up on him - 'Look at me!'

- the fact that she gets excited about a new flavour of Pringles. Don't we all?

Bolshie, with a native cunning quite different from Martha's book learning, and a great laugh.

She'll do.

Posted by Alan (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 06:03 AM BST #

Of course people will still watch it (I'm not a whovian, but my kids love it so I watch with them), but isn't it a danger that it will go a bit ITV? Who is next- Ross Kemp? Robson Green? Or their trendy equivalents in comedy?

We will need to wait and see, and of course there is no reason why Donna couldn't have a complete personality change (let's face it, RTD seems to have constantly hedged his bets with regard to 'continuity'). But I need to be convinced this is a positive move.

Council estates? Town houses? Social mobility, perhaps? But 'you can take the girl out of blank but you can't take blank out of the girl'.

Does Martha being in Torchwood mean she will talk dirty and take her clothes off? Or have the writers actually left school now?

Posted by Nath (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 08:05 AM BST #

Posted by Donna? What the f.... (

When the Dr said come with me to Donna, he was clearly on the rebound over Rose and desperate for any regular human contact.
-------------------------------------------

But surely we have another similar situation - the Doctor has just been rejected by the Master and Martha, left looking very dejected. One of the things we have seen in the new revival is a much more emotionally needy doctor who needs to feel that he has someone there for him - presumably due to the fact that there are no longer any other Timelords out there.

Am slightly distressed at the tone of some of these postings. I'm not keen - in fact I swore a lot - but do intend to watch. I don't see any need to be foul to people who don't agree with me.

More interestingly, does anyone have any idea about the red nail varnished hand picking up the ring from the Master's pyre?

Posted by viking (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 10:16 AM BST #

I'm not sure I want to watch series four now, I didn't like the Xmas special and I do want the Minogue Either. RTD has turned the show into some wishy washy soap pop PAP

I know the show is geared at all ages, but I feel increasingly isolated by a show I once loved

Very disappointed :(

Please tell me it's April the first?

Posted by Lisa Knight (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 10:22 AM BST #

And who can now blame anyone for believing the old clichés regarding Doctor Who fans, with some of the comments on here. In all honesty, I wasn’t overly enthused when I heard the news but I’ve got over it and I’m damn sure I’ll enjoy the show next year and if I don’t its no big deal! But to say that I’m not playing anymore because the nasty BBC hasn’t done as we ask is incredibly childish and petulant. Is this really the behaviour of grown adults? Can I just remind everyone that if all fans of Doctor Who from before the revival decided to boycott the show, I’m damn sure the show would still get decent ratings, as we are only a small percentage of the audience now! Like it or not the show is now made for the kids of today, these are the people who matter and I’m sure they’ll be watching in there droves at Christmas and next year, so stamping your feet and throwing yourself to the ground is not going to make any difference what so ever. I’m still yet to see this so called decline in the show that everyone has predicted since it came back and to be honest all I can see is a show that is improving and is gaining more and more fans. All I can see from this so called forum is a bunch of old school Who fans who are absolutely incensed that the show now belongs to another set of kids and not to us anymore! I was there through most of the Tom Baker era and cringed my way through the JNT years, but I still loved it and then I had to sit through the barren years listening to people moan that it was off the air and now it’s back we have the same people moaning because it’s not good enough for them! Honestly people get a grip; maybe you’ve out grown the show? Go and watch Heroes, Lost, Battlestar Galactica or Star Gate or whatever, there’s plenty out there for everyone. Me, I still love the show I was brought up watching and now I enjoy watching it with my kids, as they marvel at the amazing adventures of the mysterious Doctor who travels through time and space in his battered old police box, in exactly the same way that I did when I was their age, if that makes me a bad person then so be it.

Posted by Rick (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 10:33 AM BST #

Thank you Rick for getting right to it.

I agree 100%.

Posted by Cybos (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 11:37 AM BST #

I'm unimpressed by the casting but willing to be proved wrong, however I don't think that the use of celebrities is either necessary or beneficial for Dr Who, Billie Piper (perhaps because her celeb staus had waned) was a happy exception, but the general response to this news shows the amount of baggage that CT will bring to the series.

Posted by pjdenyer (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 11:47 AM BST #

pjdenyer wrote: but the general response to this news shows the amount of baggage that CT will bring to the series.

-------------------------------------------

Erm.....the general response of a small minority of old school fans not the wider audience. Remember, Catherine Tate appeared in the Christmas special not so long ago and did the ratings suddenly take a massive dip? Sorry but it increased!

Posted by Rick (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 12:02 PM BST #

I reckon there can be a reasonable compromise between SF fans and a family audience. SF fans can do without swearing, gratuitous violence, elaborate plots which last for years, and costant references to episodes from decades ago. In return the family audience can do without Catherine Tate. That way everybody can be happy.

Posted by Captain Skank (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 12:23 PM BST #

BORED NOW !!!

FOR ALL THOSE WHO STILL THINK ITS A BAD IDEA -

GET OVER IT.

CATHERINE TATE HAS BEEN CAST . . . . AND YOU KNOW YOULL ALL STILL WATCH IT ANYWAY.

BUT I DONT BELIEVE THE CRAP ABOUT SEASON 4 BEING THE LAST .

MAYBE RTD IS ON THE MOVE AFTER NEXT SEASON ( AND ITS PROBABLY FOR THE BEST ), BUT SOMEONE ELSE WILL JUST TAKE THE RANES.

Posted by Alan Waterman (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 03:29 PM BST #

I have mixed feelings about this as I usually find Catherine Tate pretty unwatchable but she did better than expected in The Runaway Bride. If the writing, direction and production is good then hopefully CT will rise to the occasion. I am sure she is aware of the pressure on her to perform well. I for one will wait and see how it does and hopefully she will be better than Martha who really didn't improve much over season 3 IMHO.

You can't really complain about casting "names" after all CT has shown her acting credentials on sstage and screen already and does anyone remember them casting a certain well known actor by the name or Christopher Ecclestone a few years back?

Wait and see. Remember, fans hated the sound of the BSG remake before it was screened and it is one of the best adult sci-fi shows in years. We are not always right to judge so soon.

Posted by David McKee (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 03:35 PM BST #

It's going to be the most nervous wait as The voyage of the dammned finishes and we see the first hint of what's to come.
The coming soon title will click on and then my brothers and sisters, we will all know the truth. I think RTD is aware that Mrs Tate is not everyones cup of tea and I think he has something special lined up.

Donna chilled out in the last moments of the justly underated Xmas show. As the spiderbabies were killed and the goodbye showed a subtley. As did her broken heart as her Hubby to be told her the truth. His Tirade of Abuse torward her trivia might have kicked in while the Dr was away to covince to use her brain.

Please Don't lets have the Donna we met B4
She must have a brain, please

Lets all think and say three words at the same time just b 4 spring 2008

DONNA BE DIFFERENT

Posted by Donna? What thr f.... (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 09:32 PM BST #

Ok, I've thought about it and, actually, this was proboably planned all along.

As a few people have said, Donna wasn't anywhere near so bad during the last five minutes of TRB as she was for the rest of the episode.

RTD must know how unpopular her character was.

He also said himself "You wouldn't want her around all the time-it'd be annoying!"

At the end of TRB, he could easilly have had Donna going back to her old life, selfish as ever. But, he dropped in that line about seeing a bit of the world. She'd obviously grown up.

I think that RTD would have LIKED to have had Donna in S3, but knew that he couldn't make her so arrogant, and also knew it wouldn't stand if she had a sudden character change.

SO, he sends her off for a while, give her, say, a couple of years, enough time to really change. Become less annoying.
BUT, not about to fall in love with the Doctor, or let him walk all over her.

He proboably planned this since last year.

My only nit pick is that that means that Martha was only really ever just a fill-in between Rose nad Donna. :(

But I am far more optimistic now.

Posted by Skitcher (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 09:45 PM BST #

My predictions for Season 4
David Tennant will be written out mid season
Catherine Tate will be the first female Doctor and Martha will by then have returned and will end up as her companion.
Th Master is alive and will return
Mrs Saxon turns out to be the Rani
Am I mad
PS My 8 year old reckons the Sea Devils will be back to sink (or save) the Titanic

Posted by Andrew Boniface (127.0.0.1) on July 05, 2007 at 09:58 PM BST
Website: http://The Lord #

Not impressed.

Why is Freema bailing!? Makes no sense at all- Yet another Eccleston moment!

One solution to all this companion loss trauma would be to do what they did in the old days: Have 2 or 3 regular companions, rather than one.

Never liked Tate much as a comedian and Ms. Agyeman is certainly somewhat more candyous to the eye (-ahem- as well as being a cracking Who-style actress)!

Posted by craig waterworth (127.0.0.1) on July 06, 2007 at 03:14 AM BST
Website: http://www.myspace.com/spookwriter #

Believe me all the moaners and whiners will watch the next series, it gives them something to moan about. The BBC have already said they are commited to new Who long term so there will be a series 5.

It's happening people and all your whinging and whining ain't going to change anything. Give Catherine Tate a chance for goodness sake. I think she is a great comedienne and she can do serious roles aswell so i think this is a great idea.

It could be worse, you could be some immature 35 year old man who plays rather sad computer games on his XBox and negative about everything and anything. Who is so arrogant, he believes that if he stops watching the show it will be axed.

Enjoy it for what it is, a well made, fun, exciting programme.

Posted by HS (127.0.0.1) on July 06, 2007 at 09:20 AM BST #

dv8r, I was tickled by your suggestions, but if we're going to be SERIOUS, then let's strike Jade Goody from the list (Catherine Tate PLAYING a fishwife is one thing, and it WILL have a certain frisson - I liked Tegan's stridency - but a real-life one might gall). No no - RTD wants a rainbow coalition, so let's have Shilpa Shetty. No, seriously.

Or Michelle Collins. Marvellous though Carey Mulligan was, I've left my 30s behind (and have never even TOUCHED an XBox) and really don't mind seeing a companion closer to my own age. (The people who complain about older companions doubtless drool over high-contrast B&W 8 by 10s of Jacqueline Hill, so think on!) So I have less of a problem with Tate than some. Michelle Collins. Oh yes. I'd settle for Anne Kirkbride at a pinch. More former soap stars? Bring them on! A pity that Michelle Ryan has been taken - her having been poached by Moffat, MOONLIGHTING from "Who", of course, that man of wealth and taste, as well as her engaging in bionic affairs Stateside. (Moffat's also pinched Meera Syal, like the dog in the fireplace, er, manger, that he is - if we can't have Shetty, she'd have been just fine!)

And why DO people persist in thinking that Tate is going to utter the phrase "Am I bovvered"? Did Billie ever demand to be taken to see her dead father "because we want to"? Did McCoy bang nails into his trousers and stuff ferrets up his nose? Did Pertwee ever rip up letters in a postbag? ("No, but I wish somebody would YOURS" mutter a thousand readers in unison.)

Mind you, I wouldn't say no to a Victorian lady. Or a Tsarist princess. Just woolgathering. Series 5, maybe. But Tate is what we're getting. By the time she arrives we'll have the second series of "Primeval" too, so anyone still missing Billie can assuage their heroine (sic) addiction with the methadone that is Hannah Spearitt. Anyone missing Freema... well, all right, I am actually with you there. But getting her back after an absence - it's "School Reunion" without the decades of waiting. It's better than Janet Fielding popping up in "A Fix with Sontarans", isn't it? Isn't it?

Michelle Collins, damn it all. But let's just WAIT, shall we?

Posted by Heretic (127.0.0.1) on July 06, 2007 at 09:54 AM BST #

Overall, I think it'll be ok. I initially found the character of Donna irritating, but then who wouldn't be hysterical if all that was going on on your wedding day. It'll be interesting to see what they do with the character now that she's had time to deal with those events and I am sure that she won't be as bad as everyone thinks.

I am hoping for no Dalek episodes in the new series unless RTD is going to bring back Davros. Actually, that would be a great way for David Tennant to bow out of the series - killed by the creator of the Daleks just as the old enemy is reborn.
With any luck, RTD will continue with the idea of bringing back one old enemy per season. The Sontarans could be a good bet with their warmongering ways. I'm sure he could draw a few political parallels with current events abroad if he were to write a few episodes involving them.

Anyone out there have any preferences for who the new Doctor should be? I know it's an old chestnut, but I'd like to see Richard E Grant in the role.

Posted by Tom Baker's Scarf (127.0.0.1) on July 06, 2007 at 10:49 AM BST #

It's got to be Michael Sheen, surely? I was rather disapponted when the rumours of his being the Master were scotched (although John Simm rose to the occasion admirably). And Sheen is Welsh - presumably he wouldn't mind hunkering down in Cardiff for the duration. Then - to complete the four nations - we could have James Nesbitt to follow. Anything to get Moffat on board permanently.

And companion? I retract everything that I said above. I want another fan of the show. I want another former pop star. I want TOYAH. Or Gaye Advert. Dressed up as Durham Red.

Posted by Heretic (127.0.0.1) on July 06, 2007 at 11:22 AM BST #

Comments are now being closed on this entry. If you wish to continue to discussion, why not head over to our forum?

Posted by Leah Holmes (127.0.0.1) on July 06, 2007 at 12:47 PM BST
Website: http://forum.sfx.co.uk/ #

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