The next series of BBC 's Doctor Who will allegedly be receiving a complete overhaul described as a "Marvel-style makeover". It will be the first large-scale shake-up the show has seen since Jodie Whittaker stepped in as the first female Doctor.
Bowing out after a four-year run, Jodie made a pact with current writer and showrunner, Chris Chibnall, to make a "three series and out" promise, according to the show's boss, which is now coming to an end. With her departure drawing near, speculation has been rife over who will be replacing the 39-year-old.
Celebrated screenwriter Russell T Davies, 58, is returning to the show - and a TV insider told The Mirror he was going to be taking back control of the sci-fi series as they gear up for their 60th anniversary. The insider also went into detail about who producers wanted to be the focal point of the revamp.
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One of Hollywood's most prolific actors, Hugh Grant, 61, has been tipped as one of the favourites to "bring a fresh feel to the role." The insider said: "He offers many attributes – great actor, British, award-winning, Hollywood A-lister and excellent at comedy. Conversations are in progress.
"The vision is that the show can be a Marvel -like product, building franchises around the Doctor and other key characters in his many lives.” The source added: “With the utmost respect to the BBC, in the past attempts like Torchwood were made on a very limited budget in locations around Wales. Now the world is Russell’s oyster.”
Fans are split on the rumours, with some welcoming the idea of the Love Actually star taking the role but others raising questions.
Adam Grose on Twitter said: "I love Huge Grant's acting and he is superb in everything he acts in, but I do feel he is a bit too old to play The Doctor. You need someone in their 30s." Meanwhile Fusedofficial added: "I think it's a great idea."
Current Doctor Jodie released a statement following the news of her departure, saying: "I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express what this role has given me. My heart is so full of love for this show, for the team who make it, for the fans who watch it and for what it has brought to my life.
"And I cannot thank Chris enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories. We knew that we wanted to ride this wave side by side, and pass on the baton together." Jodie's final episodes are due to air as specials later in 2022.
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