Next Doctor Who: Latest Odds Reveal Top Contenders to Succeed Ncuti Gatwa
The BBC has made a significant shift in its Doctor Who plans, scrapping the previously announced 2026 Christmas special to focus directly on developing a new series aimed at setting up the show’s future direction.
This move comes as the franchise enters a new phase, with producers seeking fresh creative leadership following the departure of Russell T Davies . . .
Ncuti Gatwa, who most recently portrayed the Doctor, exited the role in May. Since then, the BBC has put the production of Doctor Who out to competitive tender, signaling a search for new producers and creative teams to steer the iconic series forward.
Additionally, the BBC has ended its partnership with Disney+, which had streamed the last two series internationally . . .
While the live-action series undergoes these changes, a new Doctor Who animated series is already underway for the CBeebies channel, targeting younger audiences . . .
Amidst this transitional period, speculation about the next actor to don the Doctor’s mantle is rife.
According to gambling.com, bookmakers have released odds on potential successors, highlighting 11 leading contenders. Among them, Aidan Turner has emerged as the current favorite with odds of 13/8 . . .
Turner is known for his role in the Disney+ series Rivals, where he stars alongside former Doctor David Tennant . . .
The Poldark and the Hobbit star said in 2016 he has no interest in the part – because he thinks that friend and former Being Human co-star Russell Tovey (who previously appeared in the sci-fi series, and was once rumoured to be on a shortlist for the main role) is the man to take over the Tardis.
Close behind Turner is Michael Sheen, with odds of 7/4. . . .
Michael Sheen has been linked to various television presenting roles, adding to his appeal as a possible Doctor.
Sheen has stated he is incredibly flattered by fans wanting him to play Doctor Who, but he has never actively campaigned for the role. While he frequently tops fan polls, showrunner Russell T Davies has jokingly ruled him out, citing scheduling conflicts and budgets.
When asked on the BBC show The Assembly who he would most like to play in the universe, Sheen revealed that he would actually rather play the villainous Master—ideally acting opposite his real-life friend and former Doctor David Tennant.
Billie Piper, a fan favorite who appeared in the regeneration scene at the end of the last series, holds third place with odds of 15/8 . . .
Despite her brief appearance, Piper was not officially credited as the Doctor, making her potential casting a topic of much excitement among long-time fans . . .
Peter Capaldi, who previously played the Doctor and is currently engaged in a music career and UK tour, is also in the running with odds of 2/1, suggesting a possible return to the role . . .
When asked in 2024 Peter Capaldi said does not want to be Doctor Who anymore . . .
While the lifelong fan of the series loved playing the Twelfth Doctor from 2013 to 2017, he has firmly ruled out returning to the franchise . .
He has cited the intense, demanding pressure and 24/7 promotional commitments required for the role, preferring to move on to other projects like his music career . . .
Capaldi has mentioned that the show evolved into a massive, heavily commercialized entity over the years. He has expressed a desire to protect the mystique of his incarnation of the character, stating in an interview with the Radio Times that he likes the idea that his Doctor is simply “out there” and unavailable to appear on television.
Jo Martin, who appeared as the Fugitive Doctor in the series, is another strong contender with odds of 5/2.
Her prior involvement gives her a narrative foothold that could make her promotion to the lead role both plausible and headline-grabbing . . .
Martin definitely wants to return as the full-time, permanent Doctor on screen . . .
When asked about taking on the mantle of a permanent, full-time Doctor, she responded with a resounding, “Of course I’d be up for it. Of course!” She described the role as a “gift of a character” and explicitly stated, “If they need me, I’m there!”
Welsh actress Eve Myles, known for her role as Gwen Cooper in the Torchwood spinoff, is listed at 11/4. . .
Her franchise experience and fan recognition make her a notable candidate . . .
Myles has never publicly expressed a desire to be the Doctor in Doctor Who.
While she is a beloved veteran of the Doctor Who universe—having starred as Gwen Cooper in the spin-off Torchwood and guest-starred in the main series—she has never campaigned or asked to take on the lead role of the Time Lord . . .
Instead, her public comments regarding the role have been highly supportive of other actors. When Jodie Whittaker was cast as the first female Doctor, Myles publicly praised the decision as an “empowering” step forward for female representation.
David Tennant, one of the most beloved actors to have played the Doctor (the Tenth Doctor from 2005–2010 and who returned as the Fourteenth in 2023), is priced at 3/1 . . .
Bookmakers suggest there’s a real chance of another return, which would be a major moment for long-term viewers . .
David Tennant has stated throughout his career that he has a genuine, lifelong desire to play the Doctor. As a child, he famously decided to become an actor specifically to play the role. He loved his initial tenure as the Tenth Doctor (2005–2010) and was happy to return for the 60th anniversary specials as the Fourteenth Doctor in 2023.
Paul McGann, who portrayed the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 TV film and is highly regarded by fans, is also in the running at 7/2. A full-series comeback for McGann would appeal to fans who feel his earlier outing didn’t get its due.
Yes, Paul McGann, who played the Eighth Doctor, has consistently expressed a strong desire to reprise his role on screen.
While he initially had reservations about taking the part for the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, he has since embraced his place in the franchise. His dedication to the character has been shown through his following stances.
Rounding out the list are Alan Cumming at 4/1, Domhnall Gleeson at 9/2, and Christopher Eccleston at 5/1. Each brings unique qualities and fan bases that could invigorate the series in different ways.
As the BBC restructures its approach—moving away from a single 2026 Christmas special, putting production out to competitive tender, and ending its recent arrangement with Disney+—speculation around casting is only intensifying. Meanwhile, the Doctor Who brand remains active across demographics with the new animated series in production for CBeebies.
Here is a quich recap of leading contenders to succeed Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor in Doctor Who, along with their bookmakers’ odds:
- Aidan Turner — 13/8 (current favourite)
- Michael Sheen — 7/4
- Billie Piper — 15/8 (linked to a surprise appearance; debated status as the Doctor)
- Peter Capaldi — 2/1 (publicly said he does not want to return)
- Jo Martin — 5/2 (previously played the Fugitive Doctor; open to returning)
- Eve Myles — 11/4 (known for Torchwood; no public campaign for the role)
- David Tennant — 3/1 (frequently named by fans and bookmakers)
- Paul McGann — 7/2 (Eighth Doctor; expressed desire to reprise the role)
- Alan Cumming — 4/1
- Domhnall Gleeson — 9/2
- Christopher Eccleston — 5/1
Fans eagerly await official announcements on the future of Doctor Who and who will next take the helm of the TARDIS.
As the BBC navigates this new chapter, fans eagerly await official announcements on the future of Doctor Who and who will next take the helm of the TARDIS.