The recent regeneration of the Doctor, where Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor seemingly transformed into a figure resembling his former companion Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper, has sent ripples of speculation through the Doctor Who fandom. Despite the visual cues, many fans remain unconvinced, proposing elaborate theories about hidden meanings and potential future incarnations.
Online fan forums are abuzz with conjecture. One persistent rumour suggests that the Billie Piper seen in the regeneration is not the “true” Doctor, but rather a decoy. This theory posits that the actual sixteenth Doctor will be unveiled in an upcoming Christmas special, adding another layer of mystery to the Time Lord’s ever-evolving identity.
Amidst this fan-driven speculation, a new name has emerged as a potential candidate: Will Sharpe. Sharpe, recently recognised for his role in the television adaptation of Amadeus, has become a focal point of discussion. A Reddit post, claiming Sharpe’s secret casting as the titular Time Lord, garnered significant attention, with users hailing him as a “brilliant” choice.
To gauge the likelihood of these rumours, a closer look at the odds from bookmakers like Paddy Power offers some insight. Their current assessment places Will Sharpe at 50/1 odds for taking over the TARDIS, translating to a mere 2% chance. This suggests that, despite the online buzz, Sharpe is unlikely to be the next Doctor.
Who Are the Top Contenders?
With Will Sharpe seemingly out of the running, the question of who will next pilot the TARDIS remains open. The odds reveal a clear frontrunner, alongside several other promising candidates:
Billie Piper (4/5)
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the visual cliffhanger of the recent regeneration, Billie Piper stands as the overwhelming favourite. Her history with the show is undeniable; she first captivated audiences as Rose Tyler in the 2005 revival, starring alongside Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor. Since her departure from the TARDIS, Piper has enjoyed a successful career, gracing screens in Secret Diary of a Call Girl, co-creating and starring in I Hate Suzie, and most recently, appearing in the globally acclaimed Netflix series Wednesday. Her continued affection for Doctor Who, marked by several memorable cameos, fuels speculation that she might indeed be the one to take the helm.
Erin Doherty (2/1)
Known for her compelling performances in Adolescence and The Crown, Erin Doherty has consistently held strong odds for months. Her youth and evident talent make her a natural fit for the role. Furthermore, her potential connection to Jack Thorne, who is rumoured to be a contender for the showrunner position, could further bolster her candidacy. However, Doherty herself has expressed surprise at the rumours, stating in late 2025 to Radio Times that she had “no discussions” about the role, despite being a fan of sci-fi and fantasy.
Lydia West (5/1)
Securing the third spot in the betting odds is Lydia West. Her acting career has seen her appear in two shows closely linked to the Doctor Who universe: Dracula, penned by former showrunner Steven Moffat, and It’s a Sin, written by the current showrunner, Russell T Davies. This proximity to the show’s creative core could be a significant factor in her consideration.
Aimee Lou Wood (5/1)
Ncuti Gatwa broke ground as the first member of the Sex Education cast to embody the Doctor. Could Aimee Lou Wood follow in his footsteps? Her performance in the latest season of The White Lotus garnered significant praise, and her energetic, somewhat unpredictable acting style could translate well to the demanding role of the Time Lord. However, with a role in an upcoming Beatles biopic and other projects in development, a move to the TARDIS might be a difficult transition from the allure of Hollywood.
Other Notable Names and Long Shots
Beyond the top contenders, several other actors are in the mix, though with less prominent odds:
Josh O’Connor (12/1)
While Josh O’Connor boasts better odds than some on this list, his casting as the Doctor seems improbable. Having gained widespread recognition for his role in The Crown, O’Connor has largely steered clear of franchise work, favouring more independent film projects. Additionally, whispers suggest he may soon be involved in a high-profile international project, potentially occupying his schedule.Matt Smith (12/1)
Matt Smith, who portrayed the Eleventh Doctor from 2010 to 2013, is a familiar face in the Doctor Who lore. His regeneration was a memorable event, marking the end of his tenure. However, with David Tennant’s recent return and the news that House of the Dragon may not extend beyond its fourth season, Smith could potentially be seeking new opportunities, making him a candidate for a dramatic comeback.Whoopi Goldberg (15/1)
An unconventional choice, Whoopi Goldberg would represent the first American Doctor. While her odds are long, the prospect of the beloved comedian and actress joining the Doctor Who universe is an intriguing one. It remains to be seen if this ambitious casting idea will ever materialise.
Tom Hiddleston (20/1)
Tom Hiddleston would undoubtedly bring a captivating presence to the role of the Doctor. However, his existing commitments as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Jonathan Pine in the recently commissioned third series of The Night Manager make his availability highly questionable. It would indeed require a time machine for him to fit the role into his already packed schedule.Martin Freeman (20/1)
Martin Freeman, last seen in Chris Chibnall’s Netflix adaptation of The Seven Dials, has been a name associated with the Doctor’s casting discussions for years. He himself acknowledged being on a “very long list” in 2014, though he stated he was never approached. Whether he remains keen on the role is a question only he can answer.
The Doctor Who Christmas special is set to air on BBC One, promising a new adventure and, perhaps, a clearer picture of the Doctor’s future.
