These Are The Actors Doctor Who Fans Want To Replace Jodie Whittaker

The upcoming 13th series of the BBC's science fiction stalwart Doctor Who will be the third one starring Jodie Whittaker. Though the season won't air in the U.K. until fall 2021, there's a lot of buzz around it, thanks to the reports that Whittaker might be leaving Doctor Who behind. While her possible departure is entirely uncomfirmed, it would be pretty much par for the course for the show. After all, Doctor Who is famous for switching leads every once in a while, thanks to the Doctor's ability to reincarnate into a new version of themselves.  

True or not, the rumors of Whittaker hanging up the Doctor's coat and moving on to other things can only mean one thing — people have started speculating about the next Doctor. While there's no telling who will eventually replace Whittaker — or, for that matter, when this will happen — fans have already made it pretty clear who they'd like to see as the next Doctor. Let's take a look at the actors Doctor Who fans want to replace Jodie Whittaker.

Per The Daily Mail, Doctor Who fans have a clear favorite to replace Jodie Whittaker when the incumbent Doctor eventually departs the show. After all, season 12 already introduced Jo Martin as Ruth, who turns out to be a previously unseen fugitive incarnation of the Doctor. As such, many think that the charismatic Holby City actress is a natural choice for the next Doctor, and several fans have expressed their support for Martin on social media. "We already have one more Doctor! Jo Martin. Please, please give us a (even if special) series with the Fugitive Doctor if the rumours about Jodie are true!" user @JaydedCreed tweeted. "I'm hoping that Jodie has an incredible series 13, then leaves Doctor Who and Jo Martin takes over as the 14th doctor in S14!" @d0ctord0nna agreed. 

What's more, Jo Martin's mysterious Doctor already has the full support of showrunner Chris Chibnall, who has confirmed that she's no impostor. "The important thing to say is –- she is definitively the Doctor, there's not a sort of parallel universe going on, there are no tricks, he said. "Jo Martin is the Doctor, that's why we gave her the credit at the end which all new Doctors have the first time you see them."

Though Jo Martin seems to be the runaway fan favorite for the role, other interesting names have emerged in the Doctor conversation as well. At the time of this writing, the odds reportedly favor actress and writer Michaela Coel of I May Destroy You fame — as well as Richard Ayodade, who's best known for his role as Maurice Moss on Channel 4's The IT Crowd, but also has some solid sci-fi credentials from his voice role as Zero on Disney+'s The Mandalorian. 

Coel has plenty of supporters among the Doctor Who fanbase. "Michaela Coel should be the next Doctor in Doctor Who FYI," @DanielJFalconer tweeted. The @osnapitzbella account was even more concise, tweeting "I WANT THIS SO BAD" with a link to an article about Coel's prospective Doctor Who future. User @blairbidmead agreed, though they had an interesting caveat: "Michaela Coel as the new Doctor Who would rule, but I'd want her to write it too." 

Ayodade has plenty of Twitter advocates, as well. "Richard Ayodade for the 14th Doctor please," the @oldgregstan account pleaded. "As much as I'd hate to see Jodie leave Dr Who [sic], if she does I honestly think Richard Ayoade could be spectacular as the Doctor," @Katieboo0270 tweeted. User @jamesoflynn even arranged a small Twitter poll, with Ayodade getting over half of the votes.

Since Whittaker is still very much wearing the Doctor's boots, all talk of her replacement is firmly in the realm of fantasy casting. As such, lots of high-profile British actors with a penchant for quirky and charismatic roles are getting nods from fans. One name that keeps coming up is none other than Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The Fleabag star and creator is many Doctor Who enthusiasts' favorite choice as the 14th Doctor. "Love Jodie Whitaker as the Doctor, BUT, if she's leaving, Phoebe Waller-Bridge is the PERFECT replacement!" @TheChanceMorgan tweeted.  "I'm shocked, SHOCKED, that there are people out there who wouldn't like to see Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Doctor Who," @namomnetempus wrote. @joshryancarr went even further, tweeting: "PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE. Give her Doctor Who. Star. Showrunner. Write the theme tune. Sing the theme tune. Just give her the keys now. NOW."

Of course, it's good to remember that when it comes to Doctor Who casting rumors, you're bound to see a whole bunch of suggestions flying around, with many fans being quite passionate about theirs. Perhaps the @thatwapthatmmm Twitter account put it best: "It would be one of the happiest days of my life if Ben Whishaw was going to be the next Doctor. Or Michaela Coel. Or Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Or Rupert Grint (extra points for being ginger). Or Tom Ellis. Basically what I'm saying is you have a LOT of fantastic options BBC."