Doctor Who says goodbye to Tate, Davies, and Collinson.

[Randy G.]

With the completion of Saturday's Series 4, Episode 13 "Journey's End," fans of the sci-fi drama "Doctor Who" bid farewell to 3 of it's beloved family members.

Catherine Tate, brought to a close her role of witty, mouthy companion Donna Noble. A surprising fan favorite. Catherine is also best known for her characters of Lauren Cooper, and Joanie "Nan" Taylor, from The Catherine Tate Show (and Specials).

Writer Russell T. Davies wrapped up his weekly writing/ executive producing duties with the "Journey's End" episode, but will stay on throughout the 2008/9 Specials. Davies (who has been with the new series since it's conception, as well as spin-off's "Torchwood" and "The Sarah Jane Adventure's") has been responsible for the return of Doctor Who, to mainstream culture. Writer Steven Moffatt will assume the head writer duties for series 5, scheduled for 2010.

Series Producer Phil Collinson will also be leaving his position on Doctor Who, to return to Manchester as BBC Head of Drama for the region. Like Davies, Collinson has been at the helm since the beginning of the new Doctor Who series in 2005, as well as it's spin-off "The Sarah Jane Adventures."

[TMLS]

... is to be replaced by Steven Moffatt.

Thank flip for that! ;)

I mean he's done a great job bringing the show back and all, but it needs something fresh to take it forward through next year's specials and into 2010's season 5. Plus, whether you agree there's a "gay agenda" or not, or whether you like that or not, at least there shouldn't be any argument over there being one in future between the fans!

Half of Who fandom is rejoicing ;)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/may/20/bbc.television2

[newbaggy]

Well, I'm not going to use this as an excuse to RTD-bash, since:

1) Without his name, the BBC might not have given such whole-hearted support to re-launching "Doctor Who"

2) He got many more things right than wrong.

3) In lesser hands, the series might have been a ratings flop that was axed after one season.

So, thank you, Russell T. And thank you, those gods of T.V. who gave us as a replacement an imaginative, talented, endlessly inventive, witty, award-winning writer with a boundless love of the series, a sound knowledge of the workings of modern television, and enough clout in the industry to make sure that, when necessary, he can make himself heard by BBC management. Congratulations, Steven Moffat - it will be a tough job, but I can't think of anyone better qualified to do it.

[timelord45719]

Russell Did a fine job bringing back Doctor Who, but to tell you truth I'm glad he's going For mare reasons than i care to explain.

[KryptonSite]

Steven Moffat is a genius... I still think the UK version of Coupling is one of the best sitcoms I've ever seen. Plus, the man was able to take what could have been a filler episode of Doctor Who (Blink) and made it into something amazing. I am very confident that he'll be great.

I hope, though, that David Tennant stays on for Moffat's first year. A great producer and a great Doctor together would make for some very good television.

[smallville0001]

I knew ages ago he was leaving and I'm sad that Russel T Davies is leaving, he was a great writer. But i'm glad that Stephen Moffat is the one replacing him, he's a great writer too!

[Randy G.]

Russell was great, without him I doubt the series would've received as much acclaim as it has. I've really enjoyed Moffat's episodes, so I think it'll be a seamless transition. I look forward to seeing what they can come up with. :D

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----

....I hope, though, that David Tennant stays on for Moffat's first year. A great producer and a great Doctor together would make for some very good television.


Ditto. ;)

[harryandginnyfanatic]

I love the way they both write for Doctor Who.

I'll miss RTD. But I'm glad that it is Moffat who will be taking over.

Maybe we can have Sally Sparrow as a companion now.

[Kal-el 90]

I also am a fan of doctor who and Does eveyone who watches doctor who on this forum, watch the english based one?

The one with David Tennant as the doctor?

[Doctor Who]

to Kal-el 90, this is the Doctor Who with David Tennant.

I'm glad that Steven Moffat will be taking over RTD. Honestly, I can't picture anyone except Moffat to be showrunner.

By the way the midseries trailer was awesome.

[TMLS]

By the way the midseries trailer was awesome.

Yep, and I've put a thread in the spoiler board since it's a spoiler really ;)

----- Added 33 Seconds later -----

I also am a fan of doctor who and Does eveyone who watches doctor who on this forum, watch the english based one?

Is there another version? :confused:

[Kal-el 90]

I wasnt sure, i thought there might have been an american based one lol...

Anyways seeing u all watch the one i watch in Ireland aka Uk based one, its top stuff isnt it lol..Love David Tennant as the doctor couldnt imagine anyone else 2 be honest, if rumours are true and he leaves then i might not be tunning in as much lol :(

[jimmyolsenblues]

i never pay attention to who writes what and what directs who.
Whomever wrote and directed the episode "Father's Day" from season one, That is my favorite writer and director of Doctor who.

I prefer stories and i never think about who wrote them , I stink!

[Welling_is_pretty]

When I heard about this all I could think was "who is Stephen Moffet?" I mean, I don't really know who he is (though I've got a vague idea from what I've read around the internet) so I can't say if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

All I know is I don't want to lose the Janto moments...
Or David Tennant.

Other than that, I'm cool.

[TMLS]

He wrote the "Are you my Mummy?" episodes, as well as Season 2's "The Girl in the Fireplace" and Season 3's "Blink". The next two episodes in the UK (US is an episode behind) are also written by him.

He also wrote the fantastic series "Jekyll" and "Coupling" (UK Version), and Steven Spielberg comissioned him to write the new "Tin Tin" film.

He's got a great pedigree really, much better than Russel T had ("Queer as Folk" and "The Second Coming) and it means still having an out and out Whovian in charge. :)

For Janto stuff, a different producer is in charge of Torchwood, RTD was merely "creator" on that. Though that's a new producer for Season 3, Chris Chibnall also having left to be show runner on "Law and Order - London".

[Pesk]

I don't mind who's gonna be in charge so long as they don't make any big changes. I like the show the way it is.

And I totally agree about coupling being a great show. Everything jeff ever said was comedy gold. :)

[Welling_is_pretty]

He wrote the "Are you my Mummy?" episodes, as well as Season 2's "The Girl in the Fireplace" and Season 3's "Blink". The next two episodes in the UK (US is an episode behind) are also written by him.

He's got a great pedigree really, much better than Russel T had ("Queer as Folk" and "The Second Coming) and it means still having an out and out Whovian in charge. :)

For Janto stuff, a different producer is in charge of Torchwood, RTD was merely "creator" on that. Though that's a new producer for Season 3, Chris Chibnall also having left to be show runner on "Law and Order - London".
I actually just watched "The Girl in the Fireplace" this weekend and when I saw Moffet's name I remembered this thread! How cool is that? *is a geek* It was a very good episode so now I'm suddenly much more into this news.

I always thought that RTD was both creator and show runner in charge of Torchwood. Shows what I know, I guess. I remember hearing the news about Chibnall leaving but I thought he was co or something. *is a clueless geek* ;)

[newbaggy]

It may only be breaking news now, but a "Radio Times" interview with Steven Moffat this week revealed that he was first approached (or, more specifically, texted) by Russell T. Davies about taking over as executive producer/head writer last July.

[Randy G.]

With the completion of Saturday's Series 4, Episode 13 "Journey's End," fans of the sci-fi drama "Doctor Who" bid farewell to 3 of it's beloved family members.

Catherine Tate, brought to a close her role of witty, mouthy companion Donna Noble. A surprising fan favorite. Catherine is also best known for her characters of Lauren Cooper, and Joanie "Nan" Taylor, from The Catherine Tate Show (and Specials).

Writer Russell T. Davies wrapped up his weekly writing/ executive producing duties with the "Journey's End" episode, but will stay on throughout the 2008/9 Specials. Davies (who has been with the new series since it's conception, as well as spin-off's "Torchwood" and "The Sarah Jane Adventure's") has been responsible for the return of Doctor Who, to mainstream culture. Writer Steven Moffatt will assume the head writer duties for series 5, scheduled for 2010.

Series Producer Phil Collinson will also be leaving his position on Doctor Who, to return to Manchester as BBC Head of Drama for the region. Like Davies, Collinson has been at the helm since the beginning of the new Doctor Who series in 2005, as well as it's spin-off "The Sarah Jane Adventures."

[harryandginnyfanatic]

So Moffat is in charge of the specials? Not RTD?

[newbaggy]

So Moffat is in charge of the specials? Not RTD?

I think that must be a mistake. As far as I know, the specials are RTD's final contribution as executive producer/writer, and Steven Moffat takes over at the beginning of next year to start prepping Series 5 for 2010 (there will be some overlap as RTD finishes off the specials during the first half of the year). Besides, the "Grand Moff" is currently writing the screenplays for Speilberg's "Tintin" movies, and developing a sitcom "Adam and Eve", so he's a bit busy at the moment!

[charley farley]

Newbaggy is right as RTD was on this morning last friday and he said he will do the specials and then leave.

I'm glad Moffat is taking over though as Jekyll was one of my favourite tv prog's that has been on telly in recent years (i still have it on my v+ box from last year).

[Randy G.]

My mistake guys. Davies will be in charge of the Specials.
Moffatt takes the reigns for Series 5. I changed it in the paragraph.

Thanks for catching that. ;)

[Welling_is_pretty]

Catherine Tate, brought to a close her role of witty, mouthy companion Donna Noble. A surprising fan favorite. Catherine is also best known for her characters of Lauren Cooper, and Joanie "Nan" Taylor, from The Catherine Tate Show (and Specials).

Writer Russell T. Davies wrapped up his weekly writing/ executive producing duties with the "Journey's End" episode, but will stay on throughout the 2008/9 Specials. Davies (who has been with the new series since it's conception, as well as spin-off's "Torchwood" and "The Sarah Jane Adventure's") has been responsible for the return of Doctor Who, to mainstream culture. Writer Steven Moffatt will assume the head writer duties for series 5, scheduled for 2010.

Series Producer Phil Collinson will also be leaving his position on Doctor Who, to return to Manchester as BBC Head of Drama for the region. Like Davies, Collinson has been at the helm since the beginning of the new Doctor Who series in 2005, as well as it's spin-off "The Sarah Jane Adventures."
thanks for the news Randy. I knew about Russell, suspected Catherine and had no clue about (or even who he was) Phil Collinson.

I have to admit that I am a total Rose fan and when I heard about Donna I wasn't too thrilled (anything that keeps Rose off the show is bad, IMO) but saw Stolen Earth and a few other moments from other episodes and was really impressed.

Interesting though how the Doctor seems to pick the same kind of woman over and over, though, isn't it?
*puts on thoughtful look*

[Mon-Ell]

Hi all, sorry if this has been answered somewhere else, but why did Catherine Tate leave DW? Was it her decision, or TPTB? I really didn't like her in the beginning, but she grew on me and I think that the Doctor needs her, or someone like her to travel with him, to keep him grounded so to speak.

I never saw any of DW with Sarah Jane, and with the SJC, I really like her as well. Rose and the other companion, the med student turned doctor turned UNIT medical officer..Ahh I forget her name..they didn't seem to mesh well with the Doctor, IMO.

Thanks for the answers in advance, and I apologize to anyone who likes the companions before Donna.

[Antithesis]

to Kal-el 90, this is the Doctor Who with David Tennant.

I'm glad that Steven Moffat will be taking over RTD. Honestly, I can't picture anyone except Moffat to be showrunner.

By the way the midseries trailer was awesome.

Is that the same trailer that's been showing on BBC America? The one I'm talking about just shows someone in stormtrooper or halo like gear.

[newbaggy]

Hi all, sorry if this has been answered somewhere else, but why did Catherine Tate leave DW? Was it her decision, or TPTB? I really didn't like her in the beginning, but she grew on me and I think that the Doctor needs her, or someone like her to travel with him, to keep him grounded so to speak.

I never saw any of DW with Sarah Jane, and with the SJC, I really like her as well. Rose and the other companion, the med student turned doctor turned UNIT medical officer..Ahh I forget her name..they didn't seem to mesh well with the Doctor, IMO.

Thanks for the answers in advance, and I apologize to anyone who likes the companions before Donna.

It may be difficult for American viewers to appreciate quite how big a profile Catherine Tate already had in Britain before Doctor Who. "The Catherine Tate Show" (a comedy sketch show featuring several recurring characters) had made her one of the breakout comedy stars of the decade in the UK, and her first appearance as "Donna" at the end of "Doomsday" was a huge surprise (a) because there had been no pre-transmission leaks and spoilers, and (b) because Catherine Tate was the last person British viewers would expect to see as The Doctor's companion. Imagine Tina Fey suddenly appearing in "Smallville", and you might get some idea of how unlikely it seemed.

Now, Donna was originally strictly a one-off companion for "The Runaway Bride", and Catherine Tate had only been approached because Russell T. Davies wanted a star name so that viewers would not feel Rose's loss so acutely (he always envisged the new regular companion - Martha - as being played by an unknown). After "The Runaway Bride", there was a feeling amongst the production team that The Doctor/Donna relationship worked well, but there was also an understanding that Catherine Tate would be far too busy with other projects to return. Therefore, when devising Martha's replacement, RTD came up with "Penny Carter", a thirtyish journalist and divorcee living in northern England who would have something of Donna's spirit, particularly in her Tracy/Hepburn-style banter with The Doctor. Plans to use Penny were well advanced, with early Season 4 scripts written with her as the companion, when in March 2007, Jane Tranter (BBC Head of Drama Commissioning) told the producers of a conversation that she had had with Tate regarding future projects. Tate had remarked on how much she had enjoyed working on Doctor Who, and expressed a willingness to do more, if asked. Initially, RTD thought that Tate might only be available for a couple of episodes, and pencilled her in as one of the returning companions in the season finale. When he heard that Tate was talking about moving for Cardiff for nine months, he couldn't believe that she was willing to do a whole season! However, it soon became clear that she was genuinely willing to put other potential projects on hold in favour of playing Donna for a full 13 episode run. At which point, "Penny Carter" was written out of season 4, and the writers were instructed to rework scripts to have Donna as the companion.

Therefore, to answer your original question, it appears to have been a mutual decision from the outset that Donna would only appear for one season. However, it isn't a case of Catherine Tate not liking Doctor Who or the producers wanting rid of her; actually getting her signed up for a whole season was a major achievement. So, yes, it is a pity that she won't be back as a regular, but I think we should be grateful that we got this much of her.

[Welling_is_pretty]

It may be difficult for American viewers to appreciate quite how big a profile Catherine Tate already had in Britain before Doctor Who. Imagine Tina Fey suddenly appearing in "Smallville", and you might get some idea of how unlikely it seemed.
This was actually really interesting stuff to read and all new to me. Thanks for posting these details. And what a great commparision of Tina Fey and SV!