The familiar game of Doctor Who odds checking has gone up a gear this week with news that the show is set to return for the beginning of the end of Jodie Whitakker’s run. Learning that Sony Pictures Television is buying future production partners Bad Wolf Productions has also played a part, no doubt.
Frontrunners at this stage – for a job that might have already been cast – are It’s a Sin star Olly Alexander (1-2 favourite at one point) and co-star Lydia West, whose odds have recently been cut from 14-1 to 8-1 with William Hill.
Current Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker’s third and final series premieres on October 31st for a six part, single-story series, followed by a trio of specials in 2022 to conclude her story.
Has Russell T Davies’ return as showrunner fuelled speculation about actors from his most recent television success? It seems likely, but in the case of Alexander (who also performs as a musician) the rumour has been flatly denied.
Other Doctor Who Odds
There is much more to the list of potential names being entertained by William Hill.
Good Omens and Prodigal Son star Michael Sheen, recently voted as the fans’ choice for the high-profile vacancy, is available at 5-2, narrowly pipping 8-1 Richard Ayoade to the accolade.
Another contender Years and Years (writer, Russell T Davies) star T’Nia Miller (7-1), and I May Destroy You creator and star Michaela Coel is also 7-1. Ben Miller is 12-1, while Rhys Ifans, Kiwi comedian Rose Matafeo (Starstruck), and The IT Crowd and Crystal Maze host Richard Ayoade are all 8-1.
To view the full market of contenders to be the fourteenth Doctor, visit William Hill for the latest Doctor Who odds.
*Odds correct at the time of publishing*
David Tennant Cryptic Return Hint?
To throw it all into deep relief, has former Doctor Who star David Tennant made a cryptic hint to his return? Speaking to Digital Spy, he was asked about heading back into the TARDIS.
“It all depends. The moment you say yes to Doctor Who, even before you’ve done an episode, you’re being asked whether you’d go back after you finish.
“I don’t know if this happens to James Bonds. I don’t know if Pierce Brosnan gets asked if he’d go back to James Bond. Because there’s that element of fantasy, anything is ultimately possible. You should never say never to anything. I think that way madness lies.”
The Doctor Who odds for a David Tennant return are currently unlisted by William Hill. That might well change tomorrow…