Olly Alexander is set to become the new Doctor Who and the 14th actor to play the Time Lord, it’s reported.
The 30-year-old is reportedly finalising the last details with BBC bosses to replace Jodie Whittaker.
If he bags the role, the It’s A Sin star will be the first gay actor to play the iconic part.
It was reported earlier this year that 39-year-old Jodie, the first female Time Lord, will step aside after two specials in 2022.
Jodie made history after it was announced she would be the first woman to play the sci-fi character.
Olly is said to be in a prime position to take over the role after pay negotiations with BBC, writes The Sun.
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
The actor and musician first found fame as the frontman of the band Years and Years.
The news comes after he won rave reviews for starring in Russell T Davies’ Channel 4 drama, It’s A Sin, as Ritchie Tozer.
The show dived into the 1980s Aids crisis and was a hit with fans.
Russell, who previously worked as a writer and producer for Doctor Who, supported Olly for the BBC role.
(Image: BBC)
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Last night, a source said: “Olly is on the verge of being announced as the new Doctor. Negotiations are at an advanced stage.
“He’s been heavily promoted for the role by Russell — who he’s worked closely with on other projects. Russell was impressed with his work and felt he was a great fit for the Doctor.
“It’s definitely happening, he’s just had to keep quiet about it while negotiations were finalised.”
A BBC insider last night said: “As ever bosses are staying tight-lipped about what they have planned.”
(Image: JMEnternational for BRIT Awards/)
Michael Sheen was the favourite choice with bookies to be announced as the new Time Lord earlier this month, at 6/4, followed by Michaele Coel (4/1) and Richard Ayoade (9/1).
Jodie’s two 2022 specials will air on BBC1 next year, even though the programmes will be filmed back-to-back with the upcoming series.
The Daily Star has approached Olly Alexander’s representatives and the BBC for comments on this story.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
