'Doctor Who' boss slams Tate critics

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has blasted critics of Catherine Tate's performance as companion Donna Noble in the 2006 Christmas special.

He commented to SFX magazine on the negative reactions to Tate's role in 'The Runaway Bride': "It was vitriolic. What are you going to do, cast someone according to what message boards are going to say? I think the great danger is that the writing of a drama becomes a public debate.

"The doubts about her, as far as I can see, are fundamentally stupid," continued Davies. "They say she's going to shout her way through the whole thing. They say she shouted her way through 'The Runaway Bride'. No, she didn't. Literally, factually, no matter of opinion, no, she did not."

However, Davies added that he is unaware as to whether the criticism was noticed by Tate: "I couldn't even tell you if she was aware of it, to be honest... imagine what she has to put up with doing that comedy show and being red-haired as well! She's a million times stronger."

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