Can somebody let me know if there is a website where fans can petition this awful diasaster not to occur! The thought of Catherine Tate rejoining the cast of Dr Who as his companion is terrible! Do the producers of Dr Who not read the forums? Surely they realise what a mistake they've made! It will be Bonnie Langford all over again!

C Wishart, Fareham,

I have been watching Dr Who since I saw the very first episodes with William Hartnell when first broadcast in Australia.
Yes, there have been assistants I haven't liked, that horrible Aussie air hostess and the skin-wearing savage chick spring to mind, but mine is only one opinion. Other people quite liked them.
I am sure that, just as he has before, Dr Who will manage to go on lots of interesting adventures, regardless of who his companion is.

Eduardas Grigonis, Elizabeth City, North Carolina/USA

It is increasingly bewildering to me why so many UK fans of 'Doctor Who' are blasting the decision to bring back Catherine Tate. Maybe this bewilderment is rooted in the fact that I'm not the victim of 'bovvered' becoming a catchphrase here in the US. Nevertheless, I would rather have Who's occasional yet unpredictable misstep than imagine that vacuum of time when the Timelord didn't grace our television screens.

Vincent Truman, Chicago, USA

Never mind Catherine Tate, what about Christopher Ecclestone’s secret cameo on Christmas Day. Not to mention our old friend, and creator of The Daleks, Davros. Then there is Dennis Hopper. Lots to look forward to in season 4!

Ian Dennis, London,

Donna and the Doctor? YES! At the end of the Xmas special Donna is on her way to emotional maturity, self-discovery and –reliance; A character that is ready to be stunned by the wonders of the universe without being overwhelmed by them, and capable of remind the Doctor of the same. The Doctor has lost much of his enjoyment of travel and he needs someone to remind him of the wonders out there.
Crystal, CA, USA

Crystal, Oceanside, California, USA

I am dreading Donna as the new assistant, unless we see a new side of the character. She was so annoying in the Xmas special. I thought Martha was 'fantastic' and can't believe they've pushed her aside. The only thing I like about Donna is that she's not in love with the Doctor.

Susan, Atlanta, US

Be Patient.. Series 3 of the new Doctor who has some ok episodes and some good episodes.. but the final six episodes of series 3 are knock you on your backside great episodes. Doctor Who at its best. Both The Doctor AND Martha have some great moments (plus Captain Jack will be back).

Stay Tuned!

Jon, Floral Park, NY

I knew I'd miss Rose but now I REALLY miss Rose. "The Runaway Bride" was one of the worst episodes ever. I thought it was annoying, childish, over the top (in a bad way) and forced. Tennant was "Red Bulled" to the 9's. Cathrine was indeed "thick" as her fiancee pointed out. That arachnid thing? What the hell was that all about? Totally Disneyesque and lame. You need to lighten up once in a while but this was too much.

Matt McCone, San Rafael, CA. USA

As long as they don't fall back on the obnoxiousness of the character when first introduced, she'll do fine. The Donna at the end of the episode was every bit worthy as a companion.

Mike, Missoula, MT

I most certainly am bovvered!!!

What on Earth were the producers thinking giving a major role to such a talentless, unfunny, drab, also-ran of British "comedy".

Still; it's not too late. Would Mr Oswald please report the set immediately.

Laagermann, Wallasey, Wirral

i get really attached to people,like,i absalootly loved Rose and now i'm finally getting used to Martha,and then they go changing females again!!!Donna's ok, but i prefer Martha over her, and Rose over Martha. Wich ever way it goes, Doctor Who is still a 'must see'.

nita, chilliwack ,

Just when I thought Doctor Who was getting some credibility back they make an abysmal decision like bringing Catherine Tate back.

The BBC have to be very careful about killing the show off again. Obviously Catherine must have used up the few ideas she had as a comedienne and has to try her luck as an actress, please stay away from Doctor Who, PLEASE.

Elmo, Essex, UK

will very much miss Freema as Martha but I understand she will be back halfway through the season which I hope is the case.
Catherine Tate was very good at Christmas and it will be good to have her back in the show.
Having them both in, better still.

Steve, Eastcote,

i don,t agree with those people who say catherine tate should not be on doctor who. they are judging her on her own show and not as an actress(which she was before turning to comedy) one 45 min episode is not enough time to get to know and get used to a character ie tough job for freema taking over from billie but oer the course of the series she proved herself . so lay off catherine and give the girl a chance you never know what story is rounf the corner

neil mcintyre, airdrie, northlanarkshire

Really disappointed by this news. The Runaway Bride was a poor opener to a thoroughly entertaining series 3. While watching series 3 I wondered how the show would've been if Tate became a certified companion and was relieved that the show didn't take that route. Now I could only hope that the series 4 storyline make up for boring chemistry between Tate and Tennant
Freema Agyeman was great. Her smart character and the doctor had very good chemistry plus in many respects she outshines Billie Piper's bewildered Rose. Though Agyeman will be back for half of series 4, I'm hoping she'll stay on through.

Ray, NYC, USA, NY

i would love to meet david tennant, i am such a huge fan of his, how should i go about doing so? hehehe well it should be fun david makes a great doctor...i wonder what wil happen....only time and seeing will tell

tessie, phoenix, arizona

Yank audiences love her.To us, she IS hillarious (but I like her portrayal of that wicked ole woman the best), over the "Bovtjered routines) The timing between her andTennant was awsome during the Christmas Special Numba' 3.

I was a wee bit shocked when Freema left (sortof) at season's finale'. I'd hoped her family would've been included BUT I tell you, this might have something to do with Davies leaving the show. Not the reason he''s leaving, but a change of pace as the show evolves. She should do well in Torchwood. I tell you, that particular show could use someone that can actually act. I've grown tired of the Wimpish "Tosh" and quite frankly, the timing was often off and editing looked rather hurried and hacked.John Barrowmen looked positively awkward, and the scripts were weak..I think it could use a complete casting overhaul because the concept is good but the actors/actresses just don't seem quite right. I don't seei Torchwood lasting past the second season.

Bill Clasko, Clinton, USA, South Carolina

Oh dear. The Xmas special was pretty poor mainly due to the presence of Catherine 'not funny at all' Tate, so the news that she'll be the new sidekick for the next series is a real downer. What were they thinking??? Her character Donna was totally unlikeable as are her creations on the Catherine Tate show itself. Highly overated and naff catchphrases. Any chance the BBC can change their minds as the thought of watching the great Dr Who with her in it is not a happy prospect?

John , Essex,

That woman is my least favourite so called "comedian" on TV. Doctor Who was one of my favourite programs. What a dilemma! Can I be bovvered to watch it?

Simon Hewlittson, harrogate,

It seems that Freema has indeed partially been axed in all but name...

Rob, Falmouth,

Terrible casting choice. Very unpopular with Doctor Who fans. Check out BBC's own vote that shows 70% of people against this. (As of Wed 4th July). Should have been Carey Mulligan's 'Sally Sparrow' Character.

hansello, Yarmouth, uk

Catherine Tate as the new assistant?? Did no-one actually see her in the christmas special, using almost a carbon-copy cadence of her "am i bovvered" teenager and spreading annoyance wherever she trundled?

I think they've just killed the franchise for anyone over the age of 10...

David, London,

Not Bovvered.

James Hewitt, Bucks,

Am I bovvered? No, shan't be watching. Tate's too
iritating.

kevin daniels, cwmbran, torfaen

No. No. NO.

"The Runaway Bride" is considered one of the WORST episodes of the new Doctor Who series by the majority of the show's fans, and it was certainly not helped by Tate's performance. I am saddened by this news as the series was doing so well up until this point.

Matthew, London, England

When people look back and wonder when Dr Who starting losing its audience then this will be the time they will settle on.
Freema was young and hip and gave her all to the show. Catherine Tait is a frump who dressed like a school girl to try and be funny. She wasn't.
We are looking at the cardigan wearing knitters as the shows target audience now.
Bye Bye to what was once a good programme.

Bill Leitch, Falkirk,

I don't believe it - the teeth-gratingly annoying (and unfunny) Catherine Tate is to be the Doctor's companion next year - that means a whole series THAT I WON'T BE ABLE TO WATCH.

I'm devastated. What am I to do?

Sue, Pontypridd, Wales

This is fantastic news. Donna will hopefully put an end to the mopey, lovesick nonsense of last season. He's a Time Lord for Pete's Sake...he can find a way to Rose. Also, hopefully, Donna will also put an end to the Doctor's delusions of godhood. And, I can't be more thrilled to hear the last of Martha's whining. Doctor Who went from Must See on my business travels to Who Cares last season. Now, I can't wait for more.

Rae, Caversham,

I really hope Catherine Tate's character gets a little bit more depth to her if she is going to be in the next series as she was so one dimensional it was unbelievable. The runaway bride was a horrendous flashback to how bad Doctor Who can be when it is done badly.

Stuart, Stirling,

Catherine Tate in the whole of the next series?
Oh no.

Judy, Macclesfield, Cheshire

thanks for ruining the next series of dr who with the dreadful Catherine tate, one episode was enough to make me want to see her vanish into a black hole god knows what 13 episodes is going to be like

Lucy, notts,

As long as Ms Tate doesn't lapse into one of her characters. I can do without Nan in the Tardis. The Christmas special was slightly marred by wondering when she was going to suddenly break out into a comedy character. Billie Piper and Freema both had less baggage to bring with them and so could more easily settle into the part. Pity about Freema I thought she was just settling into the character. I wonder what happened to my application for the good Dr's assistant.

carole, London, UK

DOCTOR WHO SHOULD NOW BE CONSIDERED FOR THE
LARGE SCREEN IT IS WELL OVER DUE

D HARRIS, NEWPORT GWENT,

I think this is brilliant. Nice piece of inter continuity by bringing Donna back. Looks like she has had a change of heart since we left her.....

Mack , Flashborough, USA