Olly Alexander ‘in advanced talks’ to become the next Doctor Who
Olly Alexander attends The BRIT Awards 2021. (Getty/ Dave J Hogan)
Olly Alexander is reportedly “in advanced talks” to replace Jodie Whittaker as the star of the iconic sci-fi TV show Doctor Who.
The Years and Years frontman was championed for the role by Russell T Davies, The Sun reports, after they worked together on It’s a Sin.
The publication said Alexander was “on the verge of being announced as the new Doctor”, and that “negotiations are at an advanced stage”.
It added that the his casting as the Doctor was “definitely happening, he’s just had to keep quiet about it while negotiations were finalised”.
olly alexander has the one absolutely crucial trait to be the next doctor: a really good panicky run https://t.co/LTHDmiKFaJ
— caitlin powell (@acaitlinpowell) June 27, 2021
Whittaker, who took up the role as the first-ever female Doctor in 2017, it rumoured to be leaving the show next year, but this has not been confirmed.
If cast, Alexander would be the first openly gay actor to play the time lord.
Earlier this year, Alexander was asked about the possibility of starring in Doctor Who by Heart Radio, but responded: “I mean, if I was, do you think I’d be able to tell you?”
Would you like to see @alexander_olly as the next @bbcdoctorwho? 👀@JamieTheakston @AmandaHolden | https://t.co/rvjFrccfvd pic.twitter.com/4mJrXbh72I— Heart (@thisisheart) March 3, 2021
He added: “I think it would amazing. It’s an amazing show, and an amazing role. My lips are sealed.”
Olly Alexander worked with former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies on It’s a Sin.
Rumours have been swirling that Olly Alexander could join the cast of Doctor Who since his incredible performance as Ritchie Tozer in the heartbreaking AIDS drama It’s A Sin.
Former Doctor Who showrunner and It’s A Sin creator Russell T Davies previously backed Alexander as the next Doctor, insisting he would “make a marvellous Doctor Who”, and noting he would be the first openly queer actor to play the role.
John Barrowman, who played Captain Jack Harkness in the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood, also endorsed Alexander as the next Doctor in an appearance on Lorraine.
“Olly would be amazing, and I think he would make a wonderful Doctor,” Barrowman said.
