Tilda Swinton is the new favourite to land role as Doctor Who
Tilda Swinton is the bookie’s favourite to land the role as the 13th Doctor in the hit BBC sci-fi drama Doctor who.
The 56-year-old BAFTA winner was a gamble in the beginning with her odds sitting at 10/1, but now she is a front runner for the position with odds at 7/2, according to Ladbrokes.
Kris Marshall, Olivia Coleman, Maxine Peake, Ben Whishaw and Richard Ayoade are also favourites for the roll.
Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “Whovian punters are becoming increasingly convinced the next Doctor will be female, and fingers are currently pointing towards Swinton.”
Despite Swinton’s strong odds, a key writer on the show has said he would cast Sue Perkins as the next Doctor.
Neil Gaiman told 5 Live that he would consider picking either the former Bake Off host, Gillian Anderson or Helen Mirren for the role that recently saw Peter Capaldi announce his departure.
“Needless to say I’d love a woman Doctor, the time is absolutely right,” Gaiman said.
When asked who he would cast, the writer gave a definitive answer: “Sue Perkins.”
“She would be hilarious,” the presenters agreed.
The writer explained that he would consider picking Anderson for her versatile acting skills, and would opt for Helen Mirren if an older Doctor was required.
The shows executive producer, Steven Moffat, who is due to leave the show with Capaldi has also backed the move for a female actor to take on the roll.
“I think the next time might be a female Doctor. I don’t see why not,” Moffat explained.
