Helen Mirren To Replace Matt Smith As First Female Doctor Who?

Dame Helen Mirren and Olivia Colman are among the favourites rumoured to be taking over from Matt Smith as Time Lord

Dame Helen Mirren is among the stars rumoured to be replacing Matt Smith as the next Doctor Who.

The Time Lord has announced he's stepping down from the coveted TV role, paving the way for dozens of rumours about whether his successor will be a woman.

Helen Mirren's name has cropped up today, as she's already expressed her interest in landing the role. Two years ago, Helen was asked about the TV series, when she told The Daily Star: "I would like to play the new female Doctor Who. I don’t want to just be his sidekick."

Matt Smith has also name-checked Helen as his first choice to replace him (though he did also mention Eric Cantona as a favourite).

Helen would be the first ever female Time Lord on the series. Having played a number of high-profile roles including the Queen, and with a series of awards under her belt, we'd be surprised if Helen wanted to take up the lead in a BBC TV series. But her quote does suggest otherwise.

The Sunday Times says "informed sources" at the BBC are suggesting that Matt's successor "might be a woman", which also leaves the door open for Billie Piper.

And if that wasn't enough fodder for the Doctor Who blogs, Olivia Colman is also being quoted as a favourite to take on the role. The Broadchurch actress and BAFTA winner would make a great Doctor Who, wouldn't she?

We're rooting for Dame Helen. As long as she wears those pink jeans.

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