It’s one of the biggest jobs and best-kept secrets in showbiz.
But according to reports, the NEW Doctor Who has already been chosen – and has even started filming.
Comic actor Kris Marshall has been revealed in the Daily Mirror as the next Doctor.
The former My Family star quit his job as the lead in Death In Paradise around the same time as Peter Capaldi announced he would be leaving Doctor Who. And has long been one of the favourites to take over the role.
But according to the Mirror, Kris has already started filming – and the next Doctor could appear on screen far sooner than anyone expected.
Read more: Broadchurch’s final secrets
Series ten only started last night, with Peter Capaldi enjoying another stint as the Timelord, alongside Matt Lucas as Nardole and new companion Pearl Mackie as Bill.
But an insider told The Mirror that plans are already in place for the Doctor’s regeneration – and for Kris to take over as number 13.
“Kris Marshall has already joined the cast and will regenerate at the end of this series, not in the Christmas special,” said the source.
“They won’t risk a woman Doctor. They want a David Tennant type.”
Love Actually star Kris, 43, was one of the favourites for the job. But now some bookmakers have stopped taking bets on him after a sudden rush from punters.
Peter Capaldi spoke about his decision to leave the show after three years on Graham Norton’s chat show on Friday night, where he revealed he has filmed his character’s final moments.
“I can tell you that I have recorded the death of my character but I can’t tell you anything else,” he said.
“It’s bye bye. Doctor Who is a great job but it is a TV factory with so many episodes and I would worry that I wouldn’t do my best work with the same vigour and fun.
“I’ve left it while I am still enjoying it. Three years is probably enough because people get wiped out by it.”
Read more: Mel B’s X Factor rows
Although he did also add that he still needs to come back to film the Christmas special.
Kris’ representatives refused to comment, while a BBC spokesman said: “No casting decisions have yet been made on series 11.”
Although if Kris is joining in series ten, then that would be true…