Olly Alexander is set to be the next Doctor Who.

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander

The Years & Years frontman is reportedly in "advanced" talks about taking over from Jodie Whittaker and becoming the first gay actor to play the Time Lord after being promoted for the role by the programme's former showrunner Russell T. Davies, who he worked closely with on Channel 4 drama 'It's A Sin'.

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Olly is on the verge of being announced as the new Doctor. Negotiations are at an advanced stage.

“He’s been heavily promoted for the role by Russell — who he’s worked closely with on other projects. Russell was impressed with his work and felt he was a great fit for the Doctor.

“It’s definitely happening, he’s just had to keep quiet about it while negotiations were finalised.”

BBC insiders insisted they are staying focused on Jodie's upcoming episodes of the show.

A source said: “As ever bosses are staying tight-lipped about what they have planned.

“But with filming still going on for episodes in 2022, there’s lots more to come for Jodie’s doctor.”

With Jodie widely expected to leave the show next year, a number of people have weighed in with their tips to replace her.

Billie Piper - who previously played the part of Rose Tyler in sci-fi series opposite Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant - thinks Helena Bonham Carter would be a great choice.

She said: "I know who … Helena Bonham Carter.

"She’s got that madcap energy - she’s a ruddy powerhouse."

And Mandip Gill believes a woman of colour will one day land the coveted role because show bosses are so "forward-thinking".

The 33-year-old star - who stars opposite Jodie as Yasmin 'Yaz' Khan - said about the possibility of a woman of colour ever playing the Doctor, she said: "Yeah, I do. I think there’s a long way to go but there’s definitely room for change. And actually I think at the BBC and at Doctor Who they are very open and forward-thinking, so yes."

Tagged in