Is Rory Kinnear the new Doctor Who? Bookmakers suspend bets on new Time Lord after 'BBC bosses offer actor the role'
|
Is Rory Kinnear the new Doctor Who? Ladbrokes have closed their book on bets about the new Time Lord's identity
It's the most sought-after role of the moment.
But betting on the identity of the next Dr Who has been suspended by a bookmaker after reports that Rory Kinnear has been offered the role.
Kinnear, son of the character actor Roy Kinnear, was offered the job by show bosses who are awaiting his response, it was claimed.
The 35-year-old actor, who has played the spy Tanner in the last two James Bond films Skyfall and Quantum of Solace, is apparently up for the role after Matt Smith announced he was turning his back on the Tardis.
Bookmakers Ladbrokes said on Sunday they were no longer taking bets on Smith's replacement after Kinnear was backed into 2/1 favourite after the reports.
Kinnear, who has also appeared in several television series, had previously only been the third in the betting at 5/1 leaving Ben Daniels as the 2/1 favourite before the gamble began.
Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: 'All bets are now off when it comes to the identity of the next Dr Who.
'Kinnear had always been a popular punt but after a flurry of activity which pushed him into favouritism we closed the book.'
The BBC refused to comment about Kinnear becoming the next time lord but a source said: 'It is just pure speculation.
'We are still at the start of the casting process. By late autumn should have been cast in their roles.'
Other names being suggested for the role include Chiwetel Ejiofor, Russell Tovey and Rupert Grint.
Fresh Meat star Zawe Ashton was put up as a potential Doctor by the Radio Times and she seemed to be pleased with the subsequent social media endorsements.
Writing on Twitter, Zawe, 29, said: 'Thankyou to all who have been concurring!!Ha! #AVeryNewWho'.
Farewell: Matt will be saying goodbye to the TARDIS after the Christmas special
In the ring: Chiwetel Ejiofor and Russell Tovey are among the other names who have also been mentioned
At the end of the last series, John Hurt was introduced as 'The Doctor' but many commentators do not think this puts him as the tweltfh Time Lord.
Hurt has stated that he plays 'part of the Doctor' in a “kind of trinity,” which includes David Tennant - who will return for the 50th anniversary episode - with Matt Smith.
Smith will say farewell to the TARDIS after this year's Christmas special.
The 30-year old actor has played the Time Lord for three years, and said: 'It's been an honour to play this role, to follow the legacy of brilliant actors. When ya gotta go, ya gotta go.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2338507/Is-Rory-Kinnear-new-Doctor-Who-Bookmakers-suspend-bets-new-Time-Lord-BBC-bosses-offer-actor-role.html#ixzz2Vkv5ATbO
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
