Bookies are FORCED to halt punters betting on Kris Marshall taking over from Peter Capaldi as the next Doctor Who because of huge number of people backing him

All bets are off! Bookies are FORCED to halt punters betting on Kris Marshall taking over from Peter Capaldi as the next Doctor Who because of huge number of people backing him

By Andrew Bullock For Mailonline

PUBLISHED: 00:27, 4 March 2017 | UPDATED: 20:17, 4 March 2017

Since Peter Capaldi announced last month that he was stepping down as the current Doctor Who, the rumour mill has been spinning about who will fill his shoes.

And despite initial titterings that it would be former My Family actor Kris Marshall, fans turned their speculation back to female replacements - namely Tilda Swinton and Olivia Colman.

But things have turned around, once more, as Marshall - who coincidentally quit his role on Death In Paradise around the time the Doctor Who news broke - has overtaken the ladies in the betting stakes.

All bets are off! Bookies are FORCED to halt punters betting on Kris Marshall taking over from Peter Capaldi as the next Doctor Who thanks to the huge number of people backing him 

In fact, so convinced are those placing their bets, that Ladbrokes have had to close the book.

Alex Donohue, of the betting organisation, said: 'A surge of punters have backed Marshall so we’ve had no choice but to close the book.'

He added, with a jaunty nod to the sci-fi series: 'If he does get the gig, the bookies will be exterminated first.'

Marshall said that he is leaving his long-running series Death In Paradise after four years on the BBC show, so that he can spend less time away from his family.

Time to go: Peter Capaldi announced his decision to quit as the twelfth Doctor on Monday night

And almost immediately, speculation began to spin on social media as to the real reasons behind the decision.

Avid BBC viewers seemed to immediately conclude that Marshall is transferring his skills as a Detective to a Doctor - and is in the running to play Doctor Who in the wake of Capaldi. 

'Maybe a coincidence but since Doctor Who needs a new lead, interesting that that Kris Marshall has now quit Death in Paradise. New doctor?' came a theory from one fan on Twitter.

Another typed 'Kris marshall should play doctor who...' as a further tweeter concurred: 'Kris Marshall will be the 13th Doctor. Calling it. He'd be perfect. #doctorwho!' 

The theory proved popular as the news spread that Marshall is leaving the role of Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman.   

Speculation: Avid BBC viewers seem to be under the impression that Marshall is transferring his skills as a Detective to a Doctor - and is in the running to play Doctor Who in the wake of Peter Capaldi's decision to leave

'So Kris Marshall leaves #DeathInParadise, just as they're starting to look for a new #DoctorWho... #Coincidence...?? ;-)' a fourth person theorised.

'Huh so Kris Marshall leaves Death in Paradise around the same time Peter Capaldi leaves Doctor Who. Hmm, interesting...' a fifth wrote. 

Some didn't seem too keen on the idea.

'If Kris Marshall is the new #DoctorWho they might as well cast a toilet brush. Dull,' a fan seethed.  

The 43-year-old actor - whose big break came in the form of BBC sitcom My Family - revealed on Thursday's episode of Good Morning Britain that the decision was made in order to spend more time with his family after his daughter was born last year, leaving him 'bereft' while away filming in the Caribbean.

Pastures Who? Kris said of the decision to quit -  'I've loved it. It's time to move on and give someone else some sun. I'm still thinking whether I've made the right decision'

It has been confirmed that after he departs the show, he will be replaced by Father Ted funnyman Ardal O'Hanlan, who will play Detective Inspector Jack Mooney, a role he debuts in Thursday night's episode of the show.

Kris said of the decision to quit: 'I've loved it. It's time to move on and give someone else some sun. I'm still thinking whether I've made the right decision.

'It is amazing and I've been filming in London since and there's a moment when you stand in the cold and think why am I not in flips flops in the Caribbean?'

He admitted he struggled being away from his family for filming, saying: 'For the last few years I have been able to take them with me but we had a daughter and this last series I did on my own. Skyping leaves me bereft.' 

She's the favourite: Olivia Colman has become a hot bet among punters hoping to predict the new Doctor

And while playing The Doctor would certainly keep him closer to home, he's not the only name floating around for the role. 

Olivia Colman, who recently received an Emmy award nomination for her role in The Night Manager, has even been tipped for the job by her Broadchurch co-star David Tennant who played the tenth Doctor. 

'Olivia would clearly be a magnificent choice. If you have the right people telling the right stories then it’s absolutely a possibility,' he said.

Other favourites with punters include Broadchurch actor Andrew Buchan, Game Of Thrones star Iwan Rheon, James Bond's Q Ben Whishaw and and The IT Crowd's Richard Ayoade.

Capaldi himself joined in the name-dropping for the next Time Lord - and is giving his backing to Rising Damp veteran Frances de la Tour.

Bizarrely, she was considered to be the first female Doctor in the 1980s, when producers were desperate to change the sex of the time-travelling alien in a bid to keep it on the air - but it was cancelled, only to return again in 2005.

Peter Capaldi announces he is stepping down from Doctor Who

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Rising dame? Exiting Doctor Who Peter Capaldi has joined in the name-dropping for the next Time Lord - and he wants a woman to take over from him, Rising Damp star Frances de la Tour

Announcing his decision to step down from his Time Lord role, Peter said: 'This'll be the end for me. I feel sad. I love Doctor Who. It's a fantastic programme to work on.'

'It's been a huge pleasure to work with... a family. I can't praise the people I work with more highly.

'I've never worked the same job for three years, and I feel like now is the right time to move on. I'll still be the Doctor for a while.'

Twelve actors have played the time-travelling Doctor since William Hartnell first adopted the role in 1963, and so far all of them have been men. 

Billie Piper, who played the Doctor's assistant when the show was brought back in 2005, tweeted that it would be a 'welcome turn' for a woman to take the role. 

Other choices: Bookmakers suggest that likely replacements include James Bond star Ben Whishaw (left) and The IT Crowd's Richard Ayoade (right) 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4280388/Bookies-halt-bets-Kris-Marshall-Doctor-Who.html#ixzz4aOzmDqO0
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Doctor Who? James Bond actor Ben Whishaw is among those tipped to take over from Peter Capaldi after he confirms he will leave the series this year... but who else is in the running? 

• Peter Capaldi, 58, was the 12th actor to play the coveted role following Matt Smith's departure in June 2013
• James Bond actors Ben Whishaw and Rory Kinnear are the frontrunners to take over the role of the Time Lord
• Comedian, actor and director Richard Ayoade - known for his role in The IT Crowd - also tipped to take over
• Comedian Miranda Hart, 44, could make history by becoming the first female Doctor, with odds of 8/1 

By Amie Gordon For Mailonline

PUBLISHED: 09:23, 31 January 2017 | UPDATED: 19:01, 31 January 2017

Fans were left reeling when Peter Capaldi announced his decision to step down as Doctor Who after three years in the coveted role.

And now Whovians are already looking into the future to predict who may be stepping into his time-travelling shoes.

The three frontrunners tipped to pick up the Sonic Screwdriver are James Bond actors Ben Whishaw and Rory Kinnear, and comedian and star of The IT Crowd Richard Ayoade, with odds of 5/1, 7/1 and 6/1 respectively at bookmakers Ladbrokes.

However, some fans are calling for an actress to take over the hitherto male role, with Olivia Colman, Sheridan Smith and Helen Mirren all tipped to become the next Time Lord - or Lady. 

But Miranda Hart is the bookies' favourite female, with odds of 8/1. If the comedian were to take the role, she would be the first female Doctor in the series.

Outgoing executive producer Steven Moffat has suggested a future regeneration of the Doctor could also be a woman, previously saying: 'I think the next time might be a female Doctor. I don't see why not.' 

Bookies at William Hill have offered former Doctors Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith at respective odds of 33/1, 20/1 and 16/1, while Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint are tipped at 33/1 and 8/1 each. 

So will it be Ben Whishaw swapping MI6 for the Tardis, Richard Ayoade trading crowds of IT geeks for crowds of Daleks or Miranda Hart falling into the police box?

The bookies' top four: Ben Whishaw (odds 5/1), Richard Ayoade (odds 6/1), Rory Kinnear (odds 7/1), and Miranda Hart (8/1)

5/1 - BEN WHISHAW: WILL Q SWAP MI6 FOR THE TARDIS? 

Ben Whishaw is the bookies' favourite at 5/1

The bookies' favourite at 5/1, Whishaw has an impressive CV with credits including playing tech wizard Q in Bond blockbusters Spectre and Skyfall, and has previously been mentioned as a leading contender for the role of the Doctor.

In 2013 he won the best leading actor TV Bafta for his performance as Richard II in the first of the BBC's epic production of Shakespeare's history plays, and he was nominated again in 2016 for his performance in London Spy.

Should Bedfordshire-born Whishaw, 36, be interested in taking up the Time Lord mantle he may have the chance to get some tips from Capaldi as they reprise their roles in Paddington 2 later this year.

NOTABLE ROLES:

Layer Cake (2004)

Brideshead Revisited (2008)

James Bond (2012/2015)

The Danish Girl (2015)

Paddington (2014) 

6/1 - RICHARD AYOADE: FROM HANGING OUT WITH THE IT CROWD TO THE DALEKS

Bookies odds on Richard Ayoade taking over are 6/1

The comedian, actor and director earned legions of fans and a TV Bafta for his portrayal of lovable geek Maurice Moss in hit Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd.

Ayoade also earned plaudits in the director's chair for 2010 rom-com Submarine and more recently voiced The Snowman in the BBC's reboot of the cartoon classic Danger Mouse.

While studying law at Cambridge he was president of the university's famed theatrical group, the Footlights, whose former presidents included Hugh Laurie, Sue Perkins and Eric Idle.

The 39-year-old is hot on Whishaw's heels with the odds for him taking the keys to the Tardis put at 6/1.

NOTABLE ROLES:

The Vicar of Dibley (2015)

The IT Crowd (2006-2013)

The Mighty Boosh (2003-2007)

The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (2004) 

7/1 - RORY KINNEAR: THESPIAN ACTOR WHO KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT THE TIME LORD

Rory Kinnear: The odds on him taking the job are 7/1

Once tipped to take over from Matt Smith as the Doctor, the son of character actor Roy Kinnear is again among the favourites with the bookmakers.

He starred in the recent Bond films as M's Chief of Staff, Bill Tanner. 

The 38-year-old said in 2013 that he had never watched Doctor Who and had no idea what it was all about. 

However he would have had plenty of time to learn the difference between a Dalek and a Voord in the intervening years and was initially placed at equal odds with Ayoade on Tuesday.

NOTABLE ROLES: 

The Imitation Game (2014)

Mansfield Park (2007)

James Bond (2008/2015) 

Several notable television roles including Ashes to Ashes, Waking the Dead and Judge John Deed

The bookies' favourite at 5/1, Ben Whishaw has an impressive CV with credits including playing tech wizard Q in Bond blockbusters Spectre and Skyfall (pictured, alongside Daniel Craig)

Richard Ayoade: The comedian, actor and director earned legions of fans and a TV Bafta for his portrayal of lovable geek Maurice Moss in hit Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd and is third in line to become the next Doctor, according to Ladbrokes

STARS IN THE RUNNING TO PLAY THE NEXT TIME LORD - AND THE BOOKIES' ODDS 

Bookmakers Paddy Power say actor James Norton (left) is their favourite to be next Dr Who with odds of 9/1, while Ladbrokes is offering odds of 16/1 that Idris Elba (right) will step into the role

According to bookmakers Ladbrokes, Ben Whishaw is the frontrunner to become the next Doctor Who with odds at 5/1. 

Second, with odds of 6/1 is Richard Ayoade. Rory Kinnear, who also starred in the recent Bond films as M's Chief of Staff, Bill Tanner, comes in third, while Miranda Hart is fourth with odds of 8/1.  

Other top actors in line for the coveted role, according to Ladbrokes, include Helena Bonham Carter (10/1), Olivia Colman (14/1), Michael Sheen (14/1), Idris Elba (16/1), Michael Sheen (odds 14/1) and James Corden (50/1).

However other bookies are offering slightly different odds. 

Paddy Power has revealed actor James Norton is favourite to be the next Doctor Who.

Bookmakers are offering odds of 9/1 that Norton, who is best known for his roles in Happy Valley, Grantchester and War and Peace, will replace Peter Capaldi at Christmas.

Paddy Power has put the 31-year-old top of the list to replace Capaldi in the Tardis, closely followed by Ben Whishaw at 10/1 and Richard Ayoade at 11/1.

Norton has revealed that he would love to appear in Doctor Who, after previously appearing in the series four years ago in 2013.

He starred alongside Matt Smith's eleventh doctor as a Russian soldier named Onegin in the 80s-set episode Cold War, but his character was killed by Martian Ice Warrior Skaldak.

At the time he said in an interview with the Radio Times: 'It's no secret, my character met a fairly gruesome end in my Doctor Who episode. Maybe they could quietly recast me as someone else. It was a lot of fun. If Doctor Who would want me back I would happily to go back.'

Norton is also currently third favourite to be the next James Bond at odds of 10/3, behind Tom Hardy and Poldark's Aidan Turner. Now Paddy Power are offering 50/1 that Norton lands both roles.  

A host of actresses have been put forward to play the next Time Lord - including, Olivia Colman (left) and Helena Bonham Carter (right)

THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE: ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST LOVED SCI-FI DRAMAS

With a history spanning more than five decades, Doctor Who has earned its place as one of the nation's best-loved series. 

And as the world's longest running science fiction show, it has gained a cult following across the globe.

Generations have been gripped by battles between the Daleks and Davros, Cybermen, Zygons, new monsters like the Veil and old foes the Time Lords. 

And the actors lucky enough to step into the coveted shoes of the Time Lord have gone on to become household names. 

These include - among others - John Hurt (The War Doctor), Christopher Eccleston (Ninth Doctor), David Tennant (Tenth Doctor), Matt Smith (Eleventh Doctor)and Peter Capaldi (Twelfth Doctor).

Doctor Who was first broadcast on BBC One on Saturday November 23, 1963. 

Created as an educational family show to fit between the football results and evening entertainment programmes, the show was the brainchild of Canadian TV producer and BBC Head of Drama, Sydney Newman. 

The first ever doctor from 1963 - 1966 was played by William Hartnell. 

After an initial run of 26 years, the series was rested. 

It returned for a one-off TV movie featuring the Eighth Doctor in 1996. 

Doctor Who was fully resurrected in 2005 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

In its 50th anniversary year, the series is watched by an estimated 80 million viewers in 206 countries. 

It has been honoured by Guinness World Records as both the longest running and most successful science-fiction series in the world.

Capaldi announced that he will leave the Tardis in the Christmas special later this year, saying his time as the 12th Doctor has been 'cosmic'.

The 58-year-old will return for the tenth series of the relaunched show, with 12 episodes starting in April, followed by the Christmas special.

His final series will also end with the departure of writer and executive producer Steven Moffat.

Capaldi told BBC Radio 2: 'One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best.

'From our brilliant crew and creative team working for the best broadcaster on the planet, to the viewers and fans whose endless creativity, generosity and inclusiveness points to a brighter future ahead.

'I can't thank everyone enough.

'It's been cosmic.'

FANS - AND THE PRIME MINISTER - CALL FOR FEMALE TIME LORD

Could Miranda Hart, Billie Piper, or Captain America star Hayley Atwell - replace Peter Capaldi?

Fans called for a woman to replace Peter Capaldi in the Tardis when he departs.  

Fan Brooke Wheeler wrote on Twitter: 'I think it's HIGH TIME that Doctor Who was a woman!! Regenerate female!', while another tweeted: 'Peter Capaldi's talented as hell and a legend, but CAN WE PLEASE HAVE A FEMALE DOCTOR.'

Sebastian Stoker suggested a former companion or female star could return as the Doctor: 'It is time. A female #DoctorWho plz. A nice twist that puts Alex Kingston, Billie Piper OR Catherine Tate in the role.'

Michelle Gomez, who plays Missy in the show, Captain America star Hayley Atwell and Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington are among the stars fans have said they would like to see in the role.

Vonnie Sandlan was among the fans calling for diversity in casting the next Doctor, saying: 'PLEASE let's have a new Doctor who isn't a white man.'

Former Doctor Who star Billie Piper has already ruled herself out of replacing Peter Capaldi. Piper, 34, played companion Rose Tyler opposite Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant's Doctors, reprising the role for later specials, and is one of the female stars fans have said they would like to see in the title role.

However, she said: 'I wouldn't like that responsibility, it's just too enormous, it's so much work.'

Piper said she would like to see another woman in the role instead, adding: 'They have been talking about that since I started, maybe it's one of those things they like to talk about that never comes to fruition, annoyingly.

'I think that would be a welcome turn, they have had a few different age groups and I think that would be the wise way to go. Whether they do actually go that way.

'Although I quite like the traditional format but I don't know how they would move forward with something fresh. I think it would be a wise opportunity.'

Piper said the role calls for 'someone really sassy' and added Captain America star Hayley Atwell, who is also a popular choice among fans on Twitter, would be a good option.

She said: 'She would be amazing and she's a friend of mine so I will call her and see what she's saying.'

Piper added she was sad to see Capaldi go, but said: 'It is a hard job and he's been there for four years and it does somehow keep it alive.' 

Former deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman told a Westminster lunch the departure of Peter Capaldi meant it was time for a female Time Lord.

She said: 'Peter Capaldi was excellent – but yes, of course there should be a female Doctor Who. And what we need is a man as her assistant. She's got to just tell him what to do – he'll need that leadership.'

Prime Minister Theresa May believes it is for programme-makers to decide whether the next Doctor is a man or a woman, her official spokeswoman said.

'As someone who has been clear she enjoys Doctor Who, I think she will just want to see it continue and continue to be entertaining,' the spokeswoman told reporters who asked for the PM's view on the gender question at a regular Westminster media briefing.

'It's for the programme-makers to decide.'

Mrs May revealed her liking for the time-travelling Doctor in an interview with Radio Times about her Christmas Day TV viewing, in which she said: 'I always like to see Doctor Who on Christmas night, if possible.'

Peter Capaldi announces he is stepping down from Doctor Who

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