TV
'Doctor Who' boss slams Tate critics
Published Wednesday, Mar 19 2008, 09:27 GMT | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 22 comments
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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Your Views
22 Comments
Your Responses
Mark - Wolves, on May 9th, 2008
Catherine Tate has prooved herself to be an excellent accompnyment to the Doctor as Rose and Martha have been previously , what a good choice for the Doctor to diversify and the series to keep evolving...... well done
Catherine Tate has prooved herself to be an excellent accompnyment to the Doctor as Rose and Martha have been previously , what a good choice for the Doctor to diversify and the series to keep evolving...... well done
Leo essex, on April 14th, 2008
Last episode - 12.04.08 Awful, It's like the obnoxious Granny in the Catherine Tate Show and the schoolgirl combined.
Last episode - 12.04.08 Awful, It's like the obnoxious Granny in the Catherine Tate Show and the schoolgirl combined.
Karen, Devon, on March 27th, 2008
I don't think people should pass judgement on a performance they have not yet seen. She was okay in Runaway Bride and those making the programme know should what works well. All the companions have been good so far.
I don't think people should pass judgement on a performance they have not yet seen. She was okay in Runaway Bride and those making the programme know should what works well. All the companions have been good so far.
Cornelius, Belfast , on March 24th, 2008
So the BBC has run or of scripts for CT to SHOUT her way through So we have to suffer donna for a series At least we wil see the wonderfull Martha in TW .RTD has said how he has always been a fan from his childhood Well the show is BIGGER than him and Rose so we are going to have to suffer His red hair pale face screamer un till the BBC find somthing eles to fulfill CT's remaining contract
So the BBC has run or of scripts for CT to SHOUT her way through So we have to suffer donna for a series At least we wil see the wonderfull Martha in TW .RTD has said how he has always been a fan from his childhood Well the show is BIGGER than him and Rose so we are going to have to suffer His red hair pale face screamer un till the BBC find somthing eles to fulfill CT's remaining contract
Doctor Who Lover, UK, on March 23rd, 2008
I was suprised at how good Catherine Tate was. Although as a full companion I'm not so sure if that is really wise, she was more of a one of character. People say that she can't act, compare her to Freema Agyeman, then Catherine deserves an Oscar!
I was suprised at how good Catherine Tate was. Although as a full companion I'm not so sure if that is really wise, she was more of a one of character. People say that she can't act, compare her to Freema Agyeman, then Catherine deserves an Oscar!
Mari, Fife, on March 23rd, 2008
I enjoyed Miss Tate's performance in "The Runaway Bride"; I'm so pleased that she's coming back as a companion. My impression is that a lot of people on OG support Miss Tate.
I enjoyed Miss Tate's performance in "The Runaway Bride"; I'm so pleased that she's coming back as a companion. My impression is that a lot of people on OG support Miss Tate.
Sammie, America, on March 23rd, 2008
I thought Tate was fabulous. I haven't seen any of her Lauren (was it Lauren?)/"bovvered" stuff, but I was under the impression Donna was supposed to be loud and annoying, though slightly vulnerable. I thought Tate carried it off well. And I very much look forward to having Donna NOT in love with the Doctor, if that's the case.
I thought Tate was fabulous. I haven't seen any of her Lauren (was it Lauren?)/"bovvered" stuff, but I was under the impression Donna was supposed to be loud and annoying, though slightly vulnerable. I thought Tate carried it off well. And I very much look forward to having Donna NOT in love with the Doctor, if that's the case.
John, Northumberland, on March 22nd, 2008
I'm far more concerned with Russell's inane obsession with having every single one of the Doctor's companions fall head over heals in love with him. It's stupid, lame and lazy writing, but then again, it is RTD we're talking about and that seems to be his speciality.
I'm far more concerned with Russell's inane obsession with having every single one of the Doctor's companions fall head over heals in love with him. It's stupid, lame and lazy writing, but then again, it is RTD we're talking about and that seems to be his speciality.
Chris, London, on March 22nd, 2008
I don't think Tate is thoroughly flawless, but to say she is 'an over-rated person, as a whole' is absurd, unless you know her personally. There is more fantasy is some Who fans' minds around the actors than there is in the actual drama. To say she will be bad might turn out to be true, but until you see her perform in the new season to assert this is literally a fiction, based on supposition. Unless these people have a Tardis, of course... If you don't, why not just chill, watch the programme then make a judgment?
I don't think Tate is thoroughly flawless, but to say she is 'an over-rated person, as a whole' is absurd, unless you know her personally. There is more fantasy is some Who fans' minds around the actors than there is in the actual drama. To say she will be bad might turn out to be true, but until you see her perform in the new season to assert this is literally a fiction, based on supposition. Unless these people have a Tardis, of course... If you don't, why not just chill, watch the programme then make a judgment?
Mike Bull, Newport, on March 20th, 2008
'Russilon' is being arrogant here; a lot of people disliked Tate, with good reason- HE wrote her to be shouty, and coupled with the grating sound of her voice, she became very tedious, very quickly. Now we have a full season of her to endure. 'Russilon' doesn't always know best- look what he did to The Master, for one thing!
'Russilon' is being arrogant here; a lot of people disliked Tate, with good reason- HE wrote her to be shouty, and coupled with the grating sound of her voice, she became very tedious, very quickly. Now we have a full season of her to endure. 'Russilon' doesn't always know best- look what he did to The Master, for one thing!
Vincent Truman, Chicago, on March 20th, 2008
I'm pleased that RTD supports CT and is vocal about it; mind you, he could have been less vocal in his support of Martha "A Rose By Any Other Name" Jones, but that's just me. I'm looking forward to the new series. Anyone who isn't can always buy a Colin Baker DVD.
I'm pleased that RTD supports CT and is vocal about it; mind you, he could have been less vocal in his support of Martha "A Rose By Any Other Name" Jones, but that's just me. I'm looking forward to the new series. Anyone who isn't can always buy a Colin Baker DVD.
Jodie, Cardiff, on March 20th, 2008
Catherine Tate is a poor actress and an over-rated person, as a whole. I am a huge Dr Who fan and she ruined, what was a great story, in 'The Runaway Bride'. It's the same with Kylie in the Xmas special. They are casting supposedly "popular" people, regardless of their acting abilities. "We'll cast Kylie because she's a big star" - you can't say she can act. It's all attention seaking for the show lately, and has most certainly put me off any more series' to come.
Catherine Tate is a poor actress and an over-rated person, as a whole. I am a huge Dr Who fan and she ruined, what was a great story, in 'The Runaway Bride'. It's the same with Kylie in the Xmas special. They are casting supposedly "popular" people, regardless of their acting abilities. "We'll cast Kylie because she's a big star" - you can't say she can act. It's all attention seaking for the show lately, and has most certainly put me off any more series' to come.
The Chief, London, on March 20th, 2008
Tate was always going to be a controversial choice among those who love Dr Who but find her own show unfunny. But Donna was, seemingly, intentionally annoying and obnoxious whereas usually the Doctor's companions and temporary accomplices are more obviously likeable. Many people disliked the character rather than Tate herself or her performance in it (she is way too hyped by the BBC because they desperately need to preserve their comedy icons continuum). Giving her (Donna) the benefit of the doubt in the new series but if she starts falling in love with the Doctor like everyone else does it'll be game over.
Tate was always going to be a controversial choice among those who love Dr Who but find her own show unfunny. But Donna was, seemingly, intentionally annoying and obnoxious whereas usually the Doctor's companions and temporary accomplices are more obviously likeable. Many people disliked the character rather than Tate herself or her performance in it (she is way too hyped by the BBC because they desperately need to preserve their comedy icons continuum). Giving her (Donna) the benefit of the doubt in the new series but if she starts falling in love with the Doctor like everyone else does it'll be game over.
Steve, Ohio, on March 20th, 2008
I have to put to Mr. Davis that he should take into consideration the feeling of Doctor Who fans and he should, to a degree, listen to their likes and dislikes of the show. Without the fans (old and new alike) the show would have not sustained its longevity. How arrogant is he to believe what he thinks is best for the series IS best for the series.
I have to put to Mr. Davis that he should take into consideration the feeling of Doctor Who fans and he should, to a degree, listen to their likes and dislikes of the show. Without the fans (old and new alike) the show would have not sustained its longevity. How arrogant is he to believe what he thinks is best for the series IS best for the series.
Lee, York, on March 20th, 2008
I totally 100% agree with RTD, i loved CT in The Runaway Bride and can't wait for series 4. Her comedy shows are brilliant, which is why she has won so many awards. Anyone who moans about her doesn't have any taste, simple as!!!
I totally 100% agree with RTD, i loved CT in The Runaway Bride and can't wait for series 4. Her comedy shows are brilliant, which is why she has won so many awards. Anyone who moans about her doesn't have any taste, simple as!!!
Shaun, Stafford, on March 20th, 2008
Ms Tate was great In "Runaway Bride" so as a life-long fan of the show I have no concerns. And at last we'll be harking back to the classic series with a companion that doesn't actually fancy him!
Ms Tate was great In "Runaway Bride" so as a life-long fan of the show I have no concerns. And at last we'll be harking back to the classic series with a companion that doesn't actually fancy him!
Kasey, London, on March 19th, 2008
I think Catherine Tate was wonderful in the xmas special and so was Freema Agyeman in series 3.
I think Catherine Tate was wonderful in the xmas special and so was Freema Agyeman in series 3.
Rob, Harpenden, on March 19th, 2008
I thought Catherine Tate was excellent in the Xmas special. Looking forward to the series four now!
I thought Catherine Tate was excellent in the Xmas special. Looking forward to the series four now!
Claire, London, on March 19th, 2008
I had concerns about her being in Doctor Who, but actually she was great. I remember thinking Billie Piper would be rubbish too, and I wasn't a fan of Tenant before he started either, however again on both counts I was proved wrong because it's the writing which makes the show.
I had concerns about her being in Doctor Who, but actually she was great. I remember thinking Billie Piper would be rubbish too, and I wasn't a fan of Tenant before he started either, however again on both counts I was proved wrong because it's the writing which makes the show.
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A lot of people are saying she can't act, and based on her performance in Doctor Who I can see why people think that. Watch her in Big Train and surprisingly (compared to her recent output) she can not only act but she can be funny too. What went wrong?