WHO will be the next Doctor Who? Michaela Coel leads bookies' favourites

On Thursday, Jodie Whittaker confirmed she is leaving Doctor Who. 

Naturally, news that the actress, 39, is hanging up the time traveller's shoes left fans heartbroken but also excited as whispers began over who was set to take on the iconic role and play the 14th iteration of the doctor. 

In January, it was reported that Jodie's Doctor Who was drawing in less than 5 million viewers – half the numbers that David Tennant brought in - meaning a facelift of the cast could save the shows viewing figures. 

Bookmakers Ladbrokes placed Olly Alexander at the forefront with 3/1, I May Destroy You star Michaela Coel with odds of 5/1, followed by Richard Ayoade and Kris Marshall, both with 6/1, and Fleabag actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge. 

So WHO is set to take on the iconic role?

OLLY ALEXANDER 

In May, It's A Sin actor and Years And Years hitmaker Olly hit headlines with speculation about him taking the role of the Doctor. 

He revealed he would love to replace Jodie as the next Doctor Who, but remained coy over whether or not he has been formally approached.

The singer and actor, 30, has become a household name thanks to his starring role in the Russell T. Davies penned It's A Sin, Channel 4's hard-hitting drama about the AIDS epidemic and its devastating impact on the gay community.

He has since been mooted as a potential replacement for outgoing Doctor Who Whittaker, with former show runner Davies - who worked closely with him on the six-part show - admitting he would be a perfect fit.

Asked if he had been approached during a remote appearance on Capital Breakfast, Alexander said: 'I mean, if I was do you think I’d be able to tell you? It’s true I am very indiscreet but my lips are sealed.' 

The star would become the fourteenth Doctor should he replace Whittaker when she finally leaves, and he admitted it would be a 'dream role' if it did actually happen.

'I think it would be amazing,' he said. 'It’s an amazing role, and an amazing show.'

ODDS 3/1 

MICHAELA COEL

Michaela's name has been in the ring ever since whispers of Jodie's departure began at the start of the year and the rumours are growing increasingly feverish. 

In January, Alex Apati of Ladbrokes predicted of the replacement: 'Jodie Whittaker's time in the TARDIS will be coming to an end and as things stand it's Michaela Coel who looks most likely to replace her.' 

The casting would be yet another string in Michaela's bow, as she is also a screenwriter, director, producer and singer. 

She is known for creating and starring in E4 sitcom Chewing Gum, for which she won the BAFTA for Best Female Comedy Performance, and most recently I May Destroy You which has scored her a BAFTA and four Emmy nominations. 

ODDS: 5/1  

RICHARD AYOADE

The IT Crowd star, 43, is not far behind Michaela in the offs as he looks to add to his impressive CV, which not only comprises acting but also TV hosting. 

In a poll by Metro, 38% revealed they would like to see Richard as the Doctor earlier this year and he has speculation rising among superfans. 

He is best known for his role as awkward Maurice Moss in The IT Crowd from 2006 to 2013, for which he won the 2014 BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance. 

ODDS: 5/1

KRIS MARSHALL

Death In Paradise star Kris, 48, is another in the line-up for the role following plummeting ratings and Jodie's departure. 

He started his career playing Nick Harper in My Family, before his worldwide role as Colin Frissell in 2003's Love Actually, his role as Gratiano in The Merchant of Venice, and as Dave in the first series of Citizen Khan. 

With odds of 6/1, is Kris going to add Doctor to his CV? 

ODDS 6/1 

PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE

Like Michaela, Phoebe is both writer and director so the esteemed role would be a dazzling jewel in her crown - and certainly has tongues wagging. 

Her odds remain at a solid 8/1, despite the fact she has openly denied rumours of a role in the show - something Jodie also did when faced with rumours. 

Last year, the Twitter account for her theatre company DryWrite tweeted: 'We can confirm that Phoebe is not the next Doctor Who. Pls save the betting people their money! Thanks (sic)'

ODDS 8/1 

JODIE COMER

The Killing Eve star, 27, who has picked up an Emmy and a BAFTA thus far, is also one of the top names following on from her Award-winning role as Villanelle.

While she is yet to speak out on the rumours, fans are hoping Villanelle could turn good and swoop in to time travel in the Who universe.  

ODDS 10/1 

JOHN BOYEGA

Rising speculation has hinted that John, 29, could be preparing to swap Hollywood for Doctor Who as his odds stand at 10/1. 

John is best known for his role as Finn, a stormtrooper for the First Order in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. 

ODDS 10/1 

 

Jodie Whittaker confirms she is leaving Doctor Who after four

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