Hugh Grant could be the next Doctor Who (Isabel Infantes/PA)
(Picture: PA Archive)From Love Actually to A Very English Scandal, it’s fair to say that Hugh Grant has dabbled in a range of TV and film genres during his time as an actor.
But could you picture him as the next Doctor Who?
Well, give it a go, because according to rumours, Grant could be next person to take charge of the iconic Tardis, as the BBC show is set for a high-end reboot after the departure of current Doctor, Jodie Whittaker.
A TV insider has revealed that the show might be heading for a Marvel-style reboot when former Who showrunner Russell T Davies takes the helm again next year.
Speaking to The Mirror, the insider says that Davies is rooting for Grant in the title role, saying the 61-year-old actor would bring “a fresh feel” to the show, which celebrates its 60th anniversary next year.
“He offers many attributes – great actor, British, award-winning, Hollywood A-lister and excellent at comedy,” the insider said. “Conversations are in progress.”
They also revealed that Davies’ plans for the show go beyond its choice of casting, with rumours of a Marvel-style Doctor Who extended universe, which focusses on telling the stories of characters who have run and had their lives changed by the Time Lord.
“With the utmost respect to the BBC, in the past attempts like Torchwood were made on a very limited budget in locations around Wales,” they said.
“Now the world is Russell’s oyster.”
According to the insider, the days of shoestring Doctor Who budgets and bubble-wrap monsters are over: the new iteration of the show will be funded by BBC Worldwide and Sony Pictures TV, which has a majority stake in the show’s production company Wolf Studios.
Davies has long been involved in the Who-niverse: he was behind the shows revival in 2005 and led the show to primetime ratings gold, before leaving alongside fan favourite David Tennant in 2009.
Meanwhile, current Doctor Jodie Whittaker will be departing the show at the end of this year, alongside showrunner Chris Chibnall.
She took up the mantle of the 13th Doctor in 2017 and became the show’s first-ever female Doctor.
Current favourites to replace her, notwithstanding to the surprise addition of Grant, include singer Olly Alexander and Lydia West.
Both worked extensively with Davies during the filming of Channel 4’s hit show It’s A Sin, which Davies wrote.
