Doctor Who: Who will be the next Doctor? All the favourites to replace Jodie Whittaker

Series 13 marks Jodie Whittaker’s last appearance as the doctor (Picture: BBC Studios/James Pardon)

Doctor Who fans have witnessed 13 actors take on the titular role, but the big question is, who will be the 14th?

On Sunday, October 31, series 13 of the beloved sci-fi drama – titled Flux – is set to launch on BBC One, teasing trouble for The Doctor and her companions Yaz (Mandip Gill) and newcomer Dan (John Bishop).

It will be Jodie’s last full season in her role as the titular character, as well as Chris Chibnall’s final series as showrunner before Russell T Davies takes over once again.

With Russell taking back his throne as showrunner, the rumour mill has been in overdrive over who will be Jodie’s replacement.

Here a just a few names that have been rumoured.

Who will be the next Doctor?

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander has been the number one choice from day one (Picture: Matt Crossick)

Olly Alexander is bookie’s favorite to take on the role.

If confirmed, this wouldn’t be the first time the singer will work with the talented Russell, as Olly recently starred in his incredible drama, It’s a Sin.

However, the singer’s manager Martha Kinn has said the rumour ‘just isn’t true’ in a Doctor Who-pun-laden statement on social media, with references to show villains such as Cybermen and the Ood.

Martha said: ‘Even though Olly is often contacted by Cybermen, I’m afraid I have to exterminate this speculation.

Richard Ayoade

Well, you guys voted him as first choice, so who knows? (Picture: Getty)

Richard Ayoade was recently crowned the first choice to take over from Jodie as the Doctor.

In a Metro.co.uk poll, it was IT Crowd star Richard who came out on top, securing 38% of the vote.

The quirky comic definitely has the right look to play the Doctor, even down to his personal style.

Michaela Coel

Michaela is another favourite to take over (Picture Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Just like Olly and Richard, Michaela Coel has been tipped for the role, and after her groundbreaking series I May Destroy You broke received critical acclaim, it’s no wonder.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: ‘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.’

Rhys Ifans

Matt Smith even wants to see Rhys take on the role (Picture Jeff Neumann/CBS via Getty Images)

Rhys Ifans has been a part of blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter and The Amazing Spiderman, but could be making his way to the small screen?

Actor Matt Smith, who played the eleventh doctor from 2010 to 2013 – believes Rhys should be considered.

During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the House of the Dragon star was asked who he thinks should inherit the sonic screwdriver next.

‘You know who I think would be a brilliant Doctor Who… Rhys Ifans,’ he responded. ‘Rhys would be sort of cool.’

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

This isn’t the first time the actress has been rumoured to play the doctor (Picture: Shutterstock)

After her spectacular performance in Fleabag, many fans believe Phoebe Waller-Bridge would be the perfect fit as the Time Lord.

Phoebe was also rumoured to take on the role back in 2017, and it got so intense, a member of her team confirmed it wasn’t true on Twitter.

The star is currently working on the latest Indiana Jones film alongside Harrison Ford.

Jo Martin

Doctor Who fans say Jo Martin should replace Jodie Whittaker (Picture: BBC)

Jo Martin previously made an appearance in Doctor Who as another incarnation of the Doctor in 2020, becoming the second woman to play the character and the first Black Doctor in the show’s history.

Fans have expressed they would love nothing more than the actress to return and reprise her role.

Hopefully, it won’t be long until we find out.

T’Nia Miller

The actress (left) is best known for her starring role in Haunting Of Bly Manor (Picture: Netflix)

With director, Russell T. Davies is returning to the series, actress T’Nia Miller has also been a popular choice.

Fans were also quick to spot the actress’s connection to the Whoniverse, having played a different Time Lord in the show’s past.

More: BBC

She appeared in series nine, in one episode where she played the twelfth regeneration of The General after Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor shot her previous incarnation. 

Could she return, despite playing a different time lord? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Doctor Who: Flux begins at 6:15pm on BBC One on Sunday October 31.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker reveals warning from David Tennant ahead of 2022 exit

MORE : Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker ‘considered staying on the show for longer’ ahead of 2022 exit