Rakhee Thakrar is reportedly being lined up for 'Doctor Who'.

Rakhee Thakrar

Rakhee Thakrar

The 'EastEnders' star - who is known for playing temperamental Shabnam Masood in the BBC One soap - is set to step into the shoes of Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) and become the new companion of the Time Lord (Peter Capaldi) in the sci-fi show following her departure last year.

A source told the RadioTimes.com that auditions for the coveted role are taking place now but bosses already have their sights set on snapping up the 32-year-old actress.

And the brunette beauty's schedule should have no problem accommodating filming for the next series as she's just turned her back on 'EastEnders' following two years on the show.

And, although the rumours about the casting are yet to be confirmed, if she does take on the role, Rakhee will be the first non-white main companion since Freema Agyeman's medic Martha Jones left David Tennant's side back in 2008.

Meanwhile, the popular sci-fi series is set for a huge shake-up next year when current producer Steve Moffat hands over the production reins to the new show runner Chris Chibnall.

But it's not just behind the scenes that will change, as Peter - who has played the Time Lord for two years - has also hinted he'll be stepping down in 2017 to give Chris a "fresh start."


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