Claim: Donna Noble is played by Catherine Tate during the 1980's.
Evidence: Donna Noble is a fictional character in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.
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 -LRB- 2007 -RRB- , the Doctor travelled alongside medical student Martha Jones -LRB- Freema Agyeman -RRB-.
However , Tate expressed interest in returning to the role , and she returned as Donna for the duration of the series 4 -LRB- 2008 -RRB- , and in a subsequent 2009-10 Christmas and New Year 's special.
Portrayed by British actress and comedian Catherine Tate , she is a companion of the Tenth Doctor -LRB- David Tennant -RRB-.