<P> Tate looked to her own full - time casting as a "gamble" on the part of executive producer Russell T Davies; Tate attributes this to being "known, by the vast majority of people, for wearing wigs and comedy teeth" (in her sketch comedy The Catherine Tate Show). The actress was grateful to Davies for casting her, and joked about the prominence eventually afforded her character: ""For one brief moment I was the most important woman in the whole of the universe ." Ben Rawson - Jones attributes success to the natural progression of her character, her boisterous personality being toned down for her first 2008 appearance, "Partners in Crime". </P> <P> In their review of the fourth series, Digital Spy opined "At the core was Catherine Tate's excellent performance as Donna Noble, epitomising the intricate fusion of fun, adventure, sadness and a desire to belong ." Digital Spy noted that fans initially worried about Tate's full - time casting, as she is known for her role as a comedian and comic actor . They attributed the character's success to the modification of the much more brash and boisterous character she appeared to be in "The Runaway Bride". The character's comedic elements continued ("the occasional...misfire") in the form of her tendency to shout, but Digital Spy was praising of many of the character's comedic moments . They praised more highly Tate's crying scenes in "The Fires of Pompeii", which "gave the visually impressive episode much - needed depth", as well as her sensitivity and emotionality at the mistreatment of the alien Ood in "Planet of the Ood". Cult Editor Ben Rawson - Jones also praised the character's "tragic" scenes, such as losing her fake children and ideal man in "Forest of the Dead", and the "emotional wringer" of Donna - centric episode "Turn Left". Donna was voted the second best companion of all time in Doctor Who Magazine Issue 414 and Issue 474, and came second place in WatchMojo.com's Top Ten Doctor Who Companions list . </P>

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