Could Russell Tovey be the new Doctor Who?

With speculation that David Tennant may stand down as Doctor Who, Russell T Davies, its lead writer and executive producer of the show, says he favours the 26-year-old actor Russell Tovey to succeed Tennant. "He's amazing. I think I'd make him the eleventh Doctor," says Davies. Tovey has appeared in Alan Bennett's play The History Boys and had a part in last year's Christmas Doctor Who special as Midshipman Frame.

Whether Tovey will get the coveted role remains to be seen. Tennant has kept the public guessing about when he will stand down insisting there is no vacancy. Davies, however, is leaving the series next year so may not be in a position to make the appointment on Tennant's successor.

Doctor Who’s latest reincarnation has been a huge ratings success for the BBC. The final episode of the last series had an estimated 47 per cent of Britain's viewing audience, equating to more than nine million viewers. It has also been sold around the world. Another Christmas special will be made this year, followed by four more specials in 2009; the next full series has been confirmed for airing in 2010.

While Tennant has been keeping his options open he has also been taking on other work. He will play Hamlet at London's Novello Theatre in December after a sell-out run in Stratford-upon-Avon.