Who Will Be the Next Doctor Who?
David Tennant Quits as TV Timelord - Who's Odds On Fave to Take Over
Oct 30, 2008
There's bound to be some very upset David Tennant fans. At the National Television Awards 2008, the actor announced he was leaving Doctor Who. Picking up the gong for 'Outstanding Drama Performance', Tennant dropped the bombshell. He's still committed until 2010, which means he'll be starring in four specials, but afterwards a new Doctor will take up his mantle.
Journey's End for David Tennant
This is not a totally unexpected decision. Anyone who watched Journey's End, the final episode of season 4, will have recognised that Tennant has probably gone as far as he could with the character. Speaking last night from a live video link with Stratford, where he is currently appearing as Hamlet, David said:
"I love this show and if I don't take a deep breath and move on now I never will and you will be wheeling me out of the Tardis in my bath chair. It's been the most brilliant, mad, life-changing time over the last three and a half years - but I am not going yet. Thank you for watching it, for loving it, and for being so enthusiastic about the show.”
But Who Will Be the New Doctor?
With two years yet to decide, there is no official word on this yet, but that doesn't stop the rumour mill! The online betting site Paddypower.com has a comprehensive list of the top 30 contenders, and offers rates on an individual basis for anyone else punter's care to throw their way. Here's a look at the new Doctor possibilities.
Current Odds On Favourites (October 30, 2008):
- Paterson Joseph At 3-1, Paterson Joseph could become the first black Doctor Who. With roles in popular shows such as Green Wing, Jekyl, The Fixer and Peep Show, Joseph is a familiar face with an impeccable pedigree. He also played the character of Rodrick in two episodes of Doctor Who, Season 1.
- David Morrissey The State of Play baddie David Morrissey is 5-1.
- James Nesbitt from Cold Feet, Jekyl and Murphy's Law is 6 – 1.
- Anthony Head, from Buffy, Little Britain and Merlin is 10 – 1, but seems a strangely old fashioned choice.
- John Simm, who played the Doctor's nemesis the Master seems unlikely, but he's a favourite at 8 – 1.
- Russell Tovey, who played the werewolf in Being Human and appeared in the Doctor Who Christmas Special Voyage of the Damned has good odds at 10 – 1. But surely he's too young to be the Doctor?
Other Front Runners
- Withnail and I star Richard E. Grant voiced the character of Doctor Who in 2003 animation Scream of the Shalka, which probably explains his odds of 14 – 1.
- A popular choice in chat rooms, Trainspotting and Full Monty actor Robert Carlyle is also 14 – 1.
- The comedian and actor Alan Davies is 16 -1.
- Hard man actor Jason Statham is 18 – 1.
- Aidan Gillen who starred in Queer as Folk and The Wire is 18 – 1.
- Harry Lloyd who played Will Scarlett in the recent Robin Hood TV series is 18 -1.
In The Running
- Ben Wishaw 20 – 1
- Julian Walsh 20 – 1
- Nigel Harman 20 – 1
- Bill Nighy 25 -1
- Stephen Fry 25 – 1
- Chiwetel Ejiofor 25 – 1
Outsiders
- John Barrowman 33 – 1
- David Suchet 33 – 1
- Marc Warren 33 – 1
- Paul Bettany 33 – 1
- Christopher Eccleston 40 – 1
- Joel Beckett 40 – 1
Long Odds
- Dean Lennox Kelly 50 – 1
- Christopher Villiers 66 – 1
- Ricky Gervais 80 – 1
- Vinnie Jones 100 – 1
- Hugh Grant 100 – 1
- Robbie Williams 150 – 1
Obviously these odds are sure to change over the next two years - and some of the tips seem strange to say the least - but they provide a valuable snapshot of the initial runners and riders. Time will tell if any of the suggested players do indeed take on the coveted role. Or, perhaps, it will be someone else entirely.
Further Reading: Revel in the best of Tennant with this review of Doctor Who Journey's End.
 |
