Nesbitt To Materialise as New Dr Who?

As one of the most dramatic storylines yet to have been seen on the latest series of award-winning science fiction TV drama, Dr Who hurtles to its conclusion this weekend - there's only one thing fans can be sure of - the current 'Who' incarnation, actor David Tennant - is embarking on his 10th regeneration.

That means a new Doctor, with NI actor James Nesbitt's name being very much in the hat to play the iconic character.

While the Coleraine-born star of another science fiction story, Jekyll - but better known as a gritty cop in Murphy's Law - has denied renewed rumours that he is to be the next Dr Who, the Ulster actor is one of the front-runners for the role with bookmakers William Hill offering odds of 6-1.

Saturday's night penultimate episode of the current series ended on a cliff-hanger, with the Dr, played by Tennant, fatally wounded by of his arch enemies, the Daleks, and beginning the process of regeneration which means he is to quit the show.

The rumours that he would take over began to surface last summer and at the time, Nesbitt said he had not been approached.

He was first linked with the role after starring in the BBC drama Jeykll, which was written by Steven Moffat who is taking over from Russel T Davies as a chief writer of Dr Who.

Nesbitt hasn't been without work though, as he returned to his home turf in Northern Ireland just weeks ago - as predicted - to film a new drama with fellow Ulsterman and international movie star, Liam Neeson.

Five Minutes Of Heaven, which explores aspects of Northern Ireland's troubled past is due to be broadcast later this year.

Meanwhile, Robert Carlyle is the favourite to be play the next Doctor with William Hill offering 2-1 odds.

Other hot tips include Jason Stracham, Alan Davies and John Simm.

However, the 'cloning' of Dr Who's 'daughter' earlier in the series may yet mean a sea change, in more ways than one, with perhaps the first female to guide the Tardis emerging?

See: Neeson To Partner Nesbitt In New NI Drama?

(BMcC)