The recent regeneration of the Fifteenth Doctor, with Ncuti Gatwa seemingly transforming into a figure strikingly reminiscent of former companion Rose Tyler, has sent ripples of speculation through the Doctor Who fandom. Despite the visual cues, many loyal viewers are unconvinced, positing theories that this is merely a clever ruse and that the true sixteenth incarnation of the Time Lord is yet to be revealed, perhaps in the upcoming Christmas special.
The rumour mill has been churning, with a new name recently gaining traction: Will Sharpe. Known for his role in the TV adaptation of Amadeus, Sharpe has become a focal point for fan discussions regarding potential future Doctors.
The Buzz Around Will Sharpe
A fervent discussion on Reddit recently ignited speculation that Will Sharpe had been secretly cast as the next Doctor. Fans lauded the idea, deeming him a “brilliant” choice. However, when approached for comment, the BBC remained tight-lipped, offering no confirmation or denial.
To gauge the likelihood of Sharpe stepping into the TARDIS, we turned to the bookmakers at Paddy Power. Their assessment, using their proprietary odds, suggests that Will Sharpe has a mere 50/1 chance of taking over as the Doctor, translating to a slim 2% probability. Unfortunately for those hoping for Sharpe to pilot the TARDIS, it appears this particular time-traveling adventure is unlikely to materialise for him.
Who’s Leading the Pack? The Next Doctor Odds
With Will Sharpe’s chances appearing slim, the question remains: who is the frontrunner to become the next Doctor? The betting odds offer a fascinating insight into the current fan and industry sentiment.
Billie Piper (4/5)
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the visual spectacle of Ncuti Gatwa’s transformation, Billie Piper stands as the clear favourite to take on the mantle of the Doctor. Her enduring popularity and deep connection to the show make her an easily understandable choice for many. Piper first made her mark on Doctor Who as Rose Tyler when the series was revived in 2005, starring alongside Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor.
Since her departure from the TARDIS, Piper has enjoyed a successful career, featuring in Secret Diary of a Call Girl, co-creating and starring in I Hate Suzie, and most recently, appearing in the global Netflix phenomenon, Wednesday. Her continued affection for Doctor Who, evidenced by several memorable cameos, fuels speculation that she might be the one to steer the TARDIS once more.Erin Doherty (2/1)
Erin Doherty, recognised for her captivating performances in Adolescence and The Crown, has consistently held strong odds for months. Her youth, undeniable talent, and a potential connection to Jack Thorne, a name rumoured to be in contention for the showrunner position, position her as a strong candidate.
However, Doherty herself has indicated a lack of official discussions. Speaking to Radio Times at the end of 2025, she stated, “I’ve heard the Doctor Who rumour, and I’m into sci-fi and fantasy, but I can honestly say there have been no discussions.” This suggests that if she is indeed the next Doctor, she’s keeping it a very closely guarded secret.Lydia West (5/1)
Lydia West ranks as the third most favoured actor to succeed Ncuti Gatwa. Her previous involvement in two Doctor Who-adjacent productions – Dracula, penned by former showrunner Steven Moffat, and It’s a Sin, written by current showrunner Russell T Davies – makes her a compelling prospect.Aimee Lou Wood (5/1)
Ncuti Gatwa broke the mould as the first Sex Education cast member to embody the Time Lord. Could he be followed by another? Aimee Lou Wood captivated audiences with her performance in the third season of The White Lotus, and her slightly eccentric energy could be a perfect fit for the Doctor’s unique personality.
However, with a role in the upcoming Beatles biopic and further projects reportedly in the pipeline, it seems unlikely that Wood would trade the allure of Hollywood for the confines of the TARDIS.Josh O’Connor (12/1)
While Josh O’Connor boasts better odds than some others on this list, his casting as the next Doctor appears improbable. Following his rise to prominence on The Crown, O’Connor has largely steered clear of major franchise work, favouring more independent film roles. Furthermore, persistent rumours suggest he may soon be occupied with significant international projects, potentially alongside actors like Callum Turner or Jacob Elordi.
Other Notable Contenders and Long Shots
Beyond the frontrunners, several other familiar faces and intriguing possibilities are being discussed, each with their own unique appeal and set of challenges.
Matt Smith (12/1)
Matt Smith, who portrayed the Eleventh Doctor from 2010 to 2013, is a beloved figure in the Doctor Who canon. The precedent set by David Tennant’s recent return suggests that no Doctor is ever truly gone. With the news that House of the Dragon may not extend beyond its fourth season, Smith might find himself with available time for a potential return to the sci-fi realm.Whoopi Goldberg (15/1)
Arguably the most unconventional choice on the list, Whoopi Goldberg represents a departure from tradition, as the show has never featured an American Doctor. While her odds are considerable, the sheer novelty of seeing the iconic entertainer in the TARDIS is a tantalising prospect for many fans.Tom Hiddleston (20/1)
Tom Hiddleston would undoubtedly bring a commanding presence to the role of the Doctor. However, his current commitments, including his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his lead role in The Night Manager, which has been commissioned for a third series by the BBC, make his availability highly questionable. It would indeed take a time machine for him to fit another major role into his schedule.Martin Freeman (20/1)
Another long shot is Martin Freeman, who recently appeared in Chris Chibnall’s adaptation of The Seven Dials Mystery for Netflix. Freeman’s name has surfaced in discussions about the Doctor’s next incarnation before. Back in 2014, when asked about rumours linking him to the role, he commented, “I think my name was on an extremely long list once for a Doctor, but they’ve not asked me. I like the show, though.” It remains to be seen if he would still be keen on the opportunity.
The enduring mystery surrounding the Doctor’s next face continues to fuel passionate debate among fans. As Doctor Who prepares for its new Christmas special, the speculation is sure to intensify, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this beloved science fiction saga.
