| Donna Noble | |
|---|---|
| Doctor Who character | |
 A publicity shot from the episode "The Unicorn and the Wasp". | |
| First appearance | "Doomsday" (2006) |
| Last appearance | "The Giggle" (2023) |
| Created by | Russell T Davies |
| Portrayed by | Catherine Tate |
| Duration | 2006, 2008–2010, 2023 |
| In-universe information | |
| Title | The DoctorDonna |
| Affiliation | |
| Family | Geoff Noble (father) Sylvia Noble (mother) |
| Spouse | Shaun Temple (husband) |
| Children | Rose Noble (daughter) |
| Relatives | Wilfred Mott (grandfather) |
| Home | Earth |
| Home era | Early 21st century |
Donna Noble is a fictional character in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Portrayed by British actress and comedian Catherine Tate, she is a companion of the Tenth and Fourteenth Doctors (both portrayed by David Tennant).
Originally appearing in the closing scene of the show's 2006 series and as a special guest star in its following Christmas special, "The Runaway Bride", Tate was not expected to reprise her role as Donna; for series 3 (2007), the Doctor travelled alongside medical student Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman). However, Tate expressed interest in returning to the role, and returned as a series regular in series 4 (2008),[1] the subsequent 2009–2010 Christmas and New Year's special,[2][3] and in the 60th anniversary specials in 2023.[4][5]
Within the series' narrative, Donna begins as an outspoken Londoner in her mid-30s, a temp worker from Chiswick whose view of the universe is small in scope. Although she at first finds alien time traveller the Doctor terrifying, their initial encounter leaves her unsatisfied with her normal life and she decides to travel alongside him when the next opportunity arises. Donna becomes an asset to the Doctor on his adventures and on being merged with Time Lord energy, becomes the DoctorDonna and ultimately saves the universe, albeit at the cost of the memories of her travels with the Doctor.[6] Donna's memories are restored years later, when the Doctor returns as a new incarnation with a similar appearance, and the Doctor ultimately settles down with her and her family after bi-generating another incarnation.[7]
In contrast to the Tenth Doctor's prior companions, who both harboured romantic feelings for him, Donna and the Doctor shared a strictly platonic relationship; and she did not feel the need to prove herself to be allowed to travel with the Doctor, who refers to her as his "best friend".
- ^ "Donna says "I do!"". British Broadcasting Corporation. 3 July 2007. Archived from the original on 18 February 2008. Retrieved 3 July 2007.
- ^ David Tennant, Catherine Tate (guest hosts) (11 April 2009). "Jonathan Ross". Jonathan Ross. London. BBC Radio 2.
- ^ Miloudi, Sarah (14 April 2009). "Catherine Tate spotted filming Doctor Who in Swansea sun". Western Mail. Retrieved 16 April 2009.
- ^ Mzimba, Lizo (15 May 2022). "Doctor Who: David Tennant and Catherine Tate to return". BBC News. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ^ Hooton, Kayleigh (15 May 2022). "Doctor Who's David Tennant and Catherine Tate to return to the show". Digital Spy. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
- ^ Grange, Emma, ed. (2014). Doctor Who The Visual Dictionary: Updated and Expanded. New York: DK Publishing. p. 41. ISBN 9781465426451.
- ^ Mears, Hayden (9 December 2023). "Doctor Who Recap: Anniversary Special No. 3 Pulls Mythology in Fun, New Direction — Grade It!". TVLine. Retrieved 9 December 2023.