I too am in mourning (about Tate, obviously - very happy to see Johnston back). I'm trying to tell myself that three years ago, Piper seemed like a terrible idea, and that Tate was more bearable by the end of the Xmas episode than at the start... but it isn't working.

I agree with you on both counts, Emma - why they couldnt have gone for that nice girl from "Blink" escapes me.

P.S. My copy of Needle in the Blood arrived today, with a compliments slip from the MD of Snowbooks - what service"!

Alan Johnstone release is good news on a dismal day...a man who paid a personal price for reporting the news in difficult circumstances ...which is what most journalists try to do in the face of tryng conditions...

Have not yet seen the last episode of Dr Who...Catherine Tate...perhaps we need to see before we make judgements? After all, who thought Billie Piper could be bettered?

Not that I want to turn Snowblog into a Dr Who fansite but ...

This dreadful decision dominated conversation between Mrs Book and I last night! We're both thoroughly dismayed at the choice of Tate.

I don't think Freema Agyeman's Martha ever really worked, but I think that was the fault of the writers not Freema -- she was never given the kind of role that Ms Piper enjoyed before her. But Catherine Tate!? Nooooooooooooooooooo ...

Let the screeching commence...

Let's see, Donna isn't knowledgeable or inquisitive or diplomatic. She has no sense of wonder and has shown herself to be spectacularly unempathic. She's not fast or strong or dangerous. She's belligerent and needy and doesn't willingly cooperate with others. And from the viewer's point of view, she's neither charming nor likely to be considered 'eye candy'. And as things stand, she wouldn't work as an old style companion, there to be put in jeopardy, because too many of us won't want her to be saved. So expect either a) a total reworking of her character or b) a collapse in viewing figures.

I've added more over on ReadySteadyBook.

Judith, the "nice girl from 'Blink'" was Carey Mulligan -- we should start a campaign for Carey to be the new Companion!

I'd like to keep an open mind, since I was originally pretty dismayed at Bille's casting, but I do like Catherine Tate (and The Runaway Bride was okay) yet the Doctor's assistants have been younger (or am I mistaken?) hence the whole "uncle" persona.

Anyone know how we can start up a petition for Carey Mulligan? Not for the Doctor, but to say yes to my marriage proposal... :-)

It's a spectacularly unimaginative choice, and indicative of the the BBC's reticence to take a risk on someone new. I'm sure she's great, but I can't help feeling they picked Tate because she's a prime 'panto' type actress. It's become the worst of British, this TV show. End of pier entertainment.

I'm in the open mind camp. I've just been thinking about how shrill Jackie was at first, but she became quite lovable by the end.

I loved the Rose/Doctor dynamic, but I quickly tired of Martha fawning over the Doctor and being unconvincingly amazed at everything. I think the Donna character could wind up being capable without being filled with dumb old childlike wonder the whole time. So I'm remaining hopeful.

Well reading this has completely ruined my day - though I suppose the only remark to make is, am I bovvered?

Actually, yes. Our only hope is that John Sim was somehow not burned at the stake - then at least us girls get a bellyful of eye candy.

Just watched the repeat of the Christmas episode. Tate is a disaster!

Now Carey Mulligan, I can definitely cope with! Terrible weakness for her!

Draft Carey For Who!