Doctor Who bosses are reportedly hoping to cast an actor of colour as Jodie Whittaker's replacement, which would be another first for the hit show.
The actress, 39, who has been the sci-fi series' first ever female Doctor, confirmed on Thursday that she is set to step down from the leading role after three seasons.
And it is now thought that BBC execs are looking to take a 'step forward for diversity' in whoever they pick to hand the Tardis keys over to - with Michaela Coel, 33, Nabhaan Rizwan, 24, and Priyanga Burford, 36, all tipped for the role.
'It would be a momentous decision': Doctor Who bosses are reportedly hoping to cast an actor of colour for the first time as Jodie Whittaker's replacement on the show
A source told The Sun that the Doctor Who team have always thought of the show as 'progressive' and casting a person of colour would 'cement' that.
They said: 'It would be a momentous decision, particularly as in 2023 as the series celebrates its 60th anniversary.
'Producers now care less about the age or gender of whoever takes on the part than they do about this move — which would be real step forward for diversity.'
MailOnline has contacted the BBC, Michaela, Nabhaan and Priyanga's representatives for further a comment.
In the running? Michaela Coel, 33, (pictured in June) Nabhaan Rizwan, 24, and Priyanga Burford, 36, are all thought to be tipped for the role
Michaela, who is also a bookies favourite, is perhaps best known for her BBC series I Will Destroy You which she starred in, wrote, co-directed, and executive produced.
While star Nabhaan has previously appeared in BBC shows Informer and Industry and is currently performing with Emma Corrin in stage show Anna X.
Actress Priyanga Burford is another name reportedly in the running as the new Doctor, with her previously having a role in ITV thriller Innocent.
Stepping in? Priyanga, who has previously appeared in ITV thriller Innocent, is thought to be among the names being considered by BBC execs as they cast a new Doctor (pictured in 2019)
Next gig lined up? Nabhaan has previously starred in BBC shows Informer and Industry and is currently performing with Emma Corrin (pictured in July) in stage show Anna X, is also tipped
When reports of Jodie's exit started to swirl back in January, many fans called for Jo Martin's iteration of the character to become the 14th Time Lord, with the Holby City star previously appearing in two episodes of season 12 alongside Jodie.
At the time, Jo became the first black Time Lord and played an unknown Doctor, leaving viewers to claim this meant she would be an 'obvious' successor for the part.
Jo's Doctor revealed her identity in Fugitive Of The Judoon after previously going by the name Ruth Clayton, and she appeared to be a former unknown iteration of the character; she also appeared in The Timeless Children.
Showrunner Chris Chibnall, who is also leaving alongside Jodie, shared his support for Jo's version of the Doctor when she appeared onscreen in April last year.
Leaving: Jodie, 39, who has been the sci-fi series' first ever female Doctor, confirmed on Thursday that she is set to step down from the leading role after three series (pictured 2019)
Could it be? Doctor Who fans previously claimed Jo Martin's iteration of the character should return as the 14th Time Lord as she is an 'obvious' successor to Jodie (pictured in series 12)
He said: 'The important thing to say is – she is definitively the Doctor, there's not a sort of parallel universe going on, there are no tricks.
'Jo Martin is the Doctor, that's why we gave her the credit at the end which all new Doctors have the first time you see them.'
Chris went on to claim that Jo's inclusion in the twelfth series was 'very deliberate', and added: 'But as ever with Doctor Who, answers often reveal new questions.'
Jodie described her four-year stint manning the Tardis as being 'the best job I ever had' in a statement released on Thursday.
Jodie will first appear in the thirteenth season of Doctor Who – set to air later this year – and then in the first special, tipped to hit screens on New Year's Day 2022.
According to Ladbrokes.co.uk, these are the favourites to succeed Jodie into the Tardis...
OLLY ALEXANDER - 3/1
The It's A Sin actor and Years And Years hitmaker, 30, has already said he'd love to take over the Tardis.
KRIS MARSHALL - 6/1
Kris, 47, was widely rumoured to be the 13th Doctor back in 2017 - could 2021 be the year he finally steps into the Tardis?
JODIE COMER - 10/1
The Killing Eve star, 27, who has picked up an Emmy and a BAFTA thus far, is also one of the top names.
REECE SHEARSMITH - 12/1
The League of Gentleman actor, 51, is currently an outside bet for the role.
MICHAELA COEL - 5/1
Michaela, 33, won acclaim for her BAFTA-winning role in Chewing Gum and BBC/HBO drama, I May Destroy You - making her the hot favourite.
RICHARD AYOADE - 6/1
The IT Crowd star, 43, is not far behind Michaela as he looks to add to his impressive CV.
PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE - 8/1
The much-decorated Fleabag and Killing Eve is among the
