Who will be the next Doctor Who? Odds on Jodie Whittaker successor - from Richard Ayoade to Michaela Coel

Hollywood icon Whoopi Goldberg has thrown her hat into the ring to the next Doctor Who.

Speaking at the Edinburgh International Festival, Goldberg said she wanted to be the Doctor in the past and still does.

In July, it was officially announced that Jodie Whittaker is leaving Doctor Who in 2022. Whittaker will depart the show alongside showrunner Chris Chibnall.

Both star and showrunner will bow out following a six-part series, set to air later in 2021, two specials, set to air in 2022.

Whittaker took the role over from Peter Capaldi in the 2017 Christmas special, and was the first female Doctor.

In a statement she said: “In 2017 I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes. I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them. 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.

“I know change can be scary and none of us know what’s out there. That’s why we keep looking. Travel Hopefully. The Universe will surprise you. Constantly.”

Speculation has already begun on who will be taking over as the iconic Time Lord. Here’s a look at the actors who are odds on favourites to take over the Tardis.

Olly Alexander - 4/1

It’s a Sin and Years & Years star Olly Alexander is also in the running to replace Whittaker.

The actor was also named by John Barrowman, who plays Captain Jack in the show, as his top pick for the next Doctor.

In an interview with Lorraine Kelly, Barrowman said: “Olly would be amazing, he’s quirky, he’s fun, he’s a lovely actor and I think he would make a wonderful Doctor.”

Although, his odds are 20/1 through Ladbrokes, Betfair have placed him as second favourite behind Michaela Coel with 6/1 odds. Tied with Kelly Macdonald.

Michaela Coel - 6/1

After creating and starring in one of the most talked about shows in 2020, the I May Destroy You actress has been considered the joint favourite to replace Whittaker.

Michaela Coel shot to fame after creating and performing in E4 sitcom Chewing Gum in 2015. Her performance as Tracey Gordon earned her the BAFTA Award for Best Female Comedy Performance.

In 2020, Coel’s show I May Destroy You received critical and audience acclaim. The actress played the show's lead Arabella Essiedu, who seeks to rebuild her life after being raped.

If Coel took over the reigns she would become the second female Doctor Who in the show’s history.

Kris Marshall - 6/1

My Family and Love Actually star Kris Marshall has seen his odds increase from 4/1 to 6/1.

The actor has been in the running for the Time Lord for several years, and is seen as the dark horse in the potential search for a new Doctor.

Recently Marshall starred in BBC’s family detective series Death in Paradise for four years, and played opposite Rose Williams in a TV adaptation of Jane Austin’s Sanditon.

Richard Ayoade - 7/1

Comedian and actor Richard Ayoade is sitting as third favourite to take over control of the Tardis.

Ayoade has most recently been seen hosting The Crystal Maze game show, and was the second most popular replacement for Whittaker back in January, but has now dropped to third place.

Known for his dry sense of wit and geeky style, he is widely seen as the perfect candidate for the role.

Ayoade has also appeared in The IT Crowd, for which he won a BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2014, and has hosted factual shows Gadget Man and its spin off Travel Man to popular acclaim.

Kelly Macdonald - 12/1

Currently starring as the guest lead in season six of Line of Duty, Kelly Macdonald has made a surprise jump into fourth favourite to take over as the Doctor.

The Glaswegian actress has appeared in Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, Harry Potter and Nanny McPhee.

But it is her recent outing as DCI Joanne Davidson in BBC crime thriller Line of Duty that saw her odds jump up.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "The race to replace Jodie Whittaker is more wide-open than it's ever been and Line of Duty fans will be pleased to see Kelly Macdonald's odds have tumbled substantially over the past few weeks."

Michael Sheen - 12/1

The Welsh actor, known for his portrayal of prime minister Tony Blair and TV personality David Frost, joins Macdonald as fourth favourite to take over from Whittaker.

Over lockdown Sheen, alongside former Doctor David Tennant, performed in the BBC comedy Staged. The show saw the two play fictionalised versions of themselves attempting to rehearse for a play during lockdown via Zoom.

The actor is best known for his performance as Tony Blair in The Queen, Brian Clough in The Damned United, and David Frost in Frost/Nixon.