surprised us<\/a> by saying: \"Why not?\"<\/p>He said: \"It's one of those parts that any actor could bring something valid to, because it can be anything and it's a sort of blank canvas everytime.\" An interesting prospect... but also an unlikely one.<\/p>","url":"2008/6/16/BBC-Doctor-Who-Wk-26-Ep-11-Turn-Left-Jun08-11.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Doctor Who: Billie Piper as Rose Tyler"},{"captionHeading":"Stephen Fry","caption":"
It sounds an unlikely suggestion, but it doesn't change the fact that Stephen would doubtless make a brilliant Doctor.<\/p>
Sadly, the brainy one's only connection to the show seems to be an axed script a couple of years ago. Let's hope that that idea at least can come to fruition in 2010.<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-8.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Eddie Izzard","caption":"
Tom Baker himself has tipped cross-dressing comic Eddie to become the Doctor.<\/p>
Tom told the BBC: \"Eddie Izzard is so mysterious and strange. You always feel he knows something you don't, or has been somewhere you haven't been. I like the way he dresses. He could probably do his own wardrobe.\"<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-29.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Marc Warren","caption":"
Having starred in his own episode of Doctor Who, as well as carried a myriad of other TV shows, Marc's more than proved he's got the acting talent to carry the role.<\/p>
But would his previous role in the Whoniverse stand in the way?<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-25.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Rupert Penry-Jones","caption":"
Having jacked in the role of Spooks' lead spy Adam Carter, could Rupert be up for creating an action-hero-type Doctor?<\/p>
Sadly, probably not. Though he's a great actor, we think Doctor Who probably isn't gritty enough for Rupert.<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Dame Maggie Smith","caption":"
Now here's a thought. Professor Mcgonagall gives up her wand in exchange for a sonic screwdriver. But could Dame Maggie handle the Tardis?<\/p>
Eighth Doctor Paul McGann certainly thinks so: \"Dame Maggie Smith would be brilliant. I'd like to see the Doctor as diva, rather than being played by some dippy, wide-eyed girl.\" The man's got a point.<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-30.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Richard E Grant","caption":"
Richard was cast to voice the Doctor in the online animated short stories Scream Of The Shalka and The Feast Of The Stone back in 2003.<\/p>
But would he take on the Tardis full time?<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-1.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"James Macavoy","caption":"
He might be well on his way to the Hollywood halls of fame, but James began his career with a part in Channel 4's cracking sitcom Shameless.<\/p>
Could a role in Doctor Who tempt James to return to his telly roots?<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-11.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Christopher Eccleston","caption":"
Rumour has it that the much loved ninth Doctor left the show under strained circumstances.<\/p>
Might he be tempted back? Erm... we doubt it.<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-2.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Alan Cumming","caption":"
Could Who bosses continue the Scottish tradition and cast Alan in the lead role?<\/p>
He's a fantastic character actor but he just might be a bit too out of the box to be the Doctor.<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-4.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Andrew Lincoln","caption":"
Whilst many weren't happy with the idea of a young, attractive Doctor, David Tennant proved that it can be done.<\/p>
Could Andrew make a good 11th Doctor?<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-21.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Paul Bettany","caption":"
Critics and fans alike have mused the prospect of seeing Paul in the Tardis.<\/p>
But sadly, this one seems to be nothing more than speculation.<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-5.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Richard Coyle","caption":"
Coupling's Richard Coyle is an interesting proposition. <\/p>
Richard has worked with Steven Moffat before, he's a versatile and funny actor and he does a pretty convincing Welsh accent - they seem to like Welsh things in the Whoniverse.<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-22.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"},{"captionHeading":"Jennifer Saunders","caption":"
The Absolutely Fabulous Jennifer Saunders could be the first female to hold the keys to the Tardis - but just for one episode. <\/p>
Producers are apparently keen to get the actress on board for one of 2009's four specials. A show source said: \"She's in the running and we all think she would be fantastic.\"<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Jennifer-Saunders.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Jennifer Saunders"},{"captionHeading":"Russell Brand","caption":"
Russell revealed to the Daily Star that he’d love to replace David Tennant: \"I'd make a good Doctor Who, I'd camp it up.\" The ladies man has even been thinking about who could play his sidekick: \"I'd get through a lot of assistants. They'd be morphing every 10 seconds, changing like a carousel.\" <\/p>
We're not quite sure Russell's Doctor Who would make for suitable family viewing.<\/p>","url":"2008/9/5/RussellBrandGallery.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"RussellBrand_Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"Harry Lloyd","caption":"
Best known for his role as Will Scarlett in Robin Hood, Harry became a contender when he starred in the Doctor Who episodes Human Nature and The Family Of Blood. <\/p>
Russell T Davies revealed he was impressed after the actor's audition: \"I sent a note to the casting director saying, 'He's not just good for Baines (his character), that's the next Doctor.' Seriously. He's so brilliant.\" High praise indeed.<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Harry-Lloyd.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Harry Lloyd"},{"captionHeading":"Paul McGann","caption":"
Former Doctor Paul was rumoured to be making a surprise comeback in 2009. <\/p>
It was speculated that the actor would reprise his role for one of next year's four feature-length specials, the BBC has rejected the tabloid rumours however, saying: \"There is no truth to the story at all.\"<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Paul-McGann.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Paul McGann"},{"captionHeading":"Daniel Radcliffe","caption":"
The bookies have been convinced that Harry Potter star Daniel could be next for the Tardis. At just 18, Dan would be the youngest ever Doctor. <\/p>
A source said: \"Daniel would be fantastic. It is very early days but everyone can imagine him in the role. He would add a new dimension for all the young fans.\"<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Daniel-Radcliffe.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Daniel Radcliffe"},{"captionHeading":"Dawn French","caption":"
Back when legendary Doctor Tom Baker decided to hang up his scarf, Dawn's name was put into the melting pot along with Joanna Lumley and Miriam Margolyes. Could she be next to board the Tardis?<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Dawn-French.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Dawn French"},{"captionHeading":"Alan Davies","caption":"
Alan was another of the bookies' favourites to get the job, dividing fan opinion straight down the middle. <\/p>
Whovians shouldn't worry though, according to the actor, he's never been asked: \"It has never come up. I've no idea who they'll cast. I think it should be someone who's a little bit older than me, with a bit more gravitas.\"<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Alan-Davies.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Alan Davies"},{"captionHeading":"Jason Statham","caption":"
According to reports, action man Jason is in the frame. A show insider told The People: \"It will be Doctor Who meets gangland. He will do a lot more thinking with his fists and will be a sure-fire winner with the ladies. Doctor Who is still seen as a bit geeky but Jason will add sex appeal and give the character a more dangerous edge.\" <\/p>
This has got to be a wind up.<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Jason-Statham.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Jason Statham"},{"captionHeading":"Simon Pegg","caption":"
Spaced star Simon quickly shot down tabloid speculation that he might be in the running for the role. <\/p>
He explained: \"Being the Doctor? I don't think so. First, I'm really loving doing movies. Second, I really love Doctor Who and would hate to sit down on Saturday night and have it be me. David Tennant has done an incredible job. I would feel awful if I messed up the franchise by just being rubbish.\"<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Simon-Pegg.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Simon Pegg"},{"captionHeading":"Amy Winehouse","caption":"
Russell T Davis has also thrown pop singer Amy Winehouse's name into the mix, saying that she: \"would make a great doctor.\" <\/p>
Frankly, we're not sure Amy's in any state to begin an acting career.<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Amy-Winehouse-1.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Amy Winehouse"},{"captionHeading":"Lesley Sharp","caption":"
After a star turn in the Doctor Who episode, Midnight, the show boss was also mighty impressed with Lesley, and admitted he couldn't help imagining the actress in the role.<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Lesley-Sharp.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Lesley Sharp"},{"captionHeading":"Judi Dench","caption":"
Dame Judi's name was also mentioned, but the producer admitted that the country probably isn't ready for Doctor Who to have a female lead. <\/p>
\"While I think kids will not have a problem with a female Doctor; I think fathers will.\" said Russell: \"They will imagine they'll have to describe sex changes to their kids. You're talking about genitalia, and a lot of parents would get embarrassed.\"<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-Judi-Dench.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Judi Dench"},{"captionHeading":"John Barrowman","caption":"
He's a favourite companion of fans, but could Captain Jack Harkness quit Torchwood for the Tardis as a future incarnation of the Doctor? <\/p>
Stranger things have happened in the Whoniverse.<\/p>","url":"2008/9/18/Who-Will-Be-the-Next-Dr-Who-Gallery-John-Barrowman.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"John Barrowman"},{"captionHeading":"Wee Jimmy Krankie","caption":"
When asked who he'd like to see replace him, David Tennant quipped: \"I’ve always been a big supporter of Wee Jimmy Krankie and I, you know, if it wasn’t me it was gonna be him, her, him. <\/p>
\"So the campaign starts here for me, to get wee Jimmy Krankie in the Tardis and big Ian Krankie as the companion. I think that works.\" Somehow, we doubt the fans would be too thrilled.<\/p>","url":"2008/11/3/Feature-BBC-Doctor-Who-Wholl-Be-The-Next-Doctor-Wk-45-Nov08-Gallery-10.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Who'll Be The Next Doctor?"}];