PHOEBE-WALLER BRIDGE – an actress most known for her role in series two of ITV’s Broadchurch, has become the odds-on favourite to become the 13th Doctor when Peter Capaldi bows out after this series.
The 31-year-old has zoomed to the most likely candidate after William Hill placed her at 4/7 favourite for the role.
Phoebe’s sudden connection to the show comes after Chris Chibnall was announced to be taking over the showrunner position from Steven Moffatt.
Chris and Phoebe worked on Broadchurch together, when she took on the role of Abby Thompson – Joe Miller’s barrister.
Death in Paradise actor Kris Marshall, who has also been highly tipped for the role, has dropped to 3/1 odds as the second most likely to bag the job.
Phoebe – who wrote and starred in BBC comedy Fleabag – has already secured a role in the Han Solo spin-off in the Star Wars franchise, which is currently being filmed.
If she was appointed, it would mean that she would become the first female doctor in the show’s 52 year run – after fans have rallied to try and convince writers to diversify their main character.
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In the Who mythology, the Doctor regenerates after being mortally wounded, becoming a completely different person (which has allowed for different actors to take on the role).
Throughout the course of the show, the Doctor has been repeatedly regenerated into a straight, white, male character, albeit of different ages – but the concept doesn’t rule out the possibility he could become a woman, or a person of colour.
Series Ten of the show will start airing on April 15, and has been announced as Peter Capaldi’s last before he steps down.
Pearl Mackie will be joining the Doctor in the TARDIS for the first time as Bill Potts, and Matt Lucas’ Nardole will also be joining in on the adventures.
The actor will step down at the end of the year, with his regeneration expected to be aired in the Christmas Special.
- Catch the new series Doctor Who, April 15 on BBC1.
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