Who is Olly Alexander? 'It's A Sin' star in 'advanced talks' to replace Jodie Whittaker as Doctor Who

If chosen, Alexander would be the first openly gay Doctor in the show’s 58-year history
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The race for who will be the next Doctor took another leap forward, after unconfirmed reports hinted that Olly Alexander is being lined up to take over as the Time Lord.

The Years & Years frontman earned critical acclaim for his leading role in Channel 4’s It’s A Sin, and has now been tipped to replace Jodie Whittaker in the BBC show.

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Olly Alexander is being lined up to take over as the next Doctor Who (Photo: Getty Images)Olly Alexander is being lined up to take over as the next Doctor Who (Photo: Getty Images)
Olly Alexander is being lined up to take over as the next Doctor Who (Photo: Getty Images)

If chosen, Alexander would be the first openly gay Doctor in the show’s 58-year history.

Here’s all you need to know about Olly Alexander, and if he is in the running to be the next Doctor.

Who is Olly Alexander?

Olly Alexander is a UK musician and actor.

He is the frontman of music group Years & Years. He formed the group in 2010, and in March 2021, the band became a solo project for Alexander.

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The group have been behind numerous pop hits King, Starstruck and Shine.

Alexander’s acting career began in 2008, and he has since appeared in numerous TV, Film and Theatre projects. His first films were in Summerhill, and Bright Star in 2008.

In 2013, he starred as Peter Pan in the West End production of Peter and Alice alongside Ben Whishaw and Judi Dench.

His breakout performance was in 2021’s It’s A Sin. The Russell TV Davies’ Channel 4 and HBO Max drama depicts gay life in the 1980’s and early 90’s.

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Alexander’s performance as the show’s leading role was praised by the critics, and saw some expressing their desire for him to win a BAFTA.

Will Olly Alexander be the next Doctor?

The Sun have reported that pay negotiations between Olly Alexander and the BBC are taking place, and are “at an advanced stage”.

A source claimed Alexander was “on the verge of being announced” in the role, adding: “It’s definitely happening, he’s just had to keep quiet about it while negotiations were finalised.”

“He’s been heavily promoted for the role by Russell — who he’s worked closely with on other projects. Russell was impressed with his work and felt he was a great fit for the Doctor,” the source added.

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Media reports earlier this year revealed that the Doctor's current incumbent, Jodie Whittaker, will step aside after two specials in 2022.

Russell T. Davies, who created It’s A Sin and previously worked as a writer and producer for Doctor Who, is said to have been “impressed with [Olly Alexander’s] work and felt he was a great fit for the Doctor.”

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