The BBC has announced the identity of the new Doctor – the 13th Time lord in the show’s history – will be confirmed on BBC One after Sunday’s Wimbledon Men’s final.
Bookmakers have previously suggested former Death in Paradise star Kris Marshall and Phoebe Waller-Bridge are the favourites to take over as the show’s lead.
Rumours of a female Doctor have sparked fierce debate within the show’s fandom with accusations of sexism levelled at those suggesting the lead role should remain male.
Talk of a gender swap has been a constant since the 1980’s when then producer John Nathan-Turner suggested outgoing Doctor, Tom Baker, could be replaced with a woman.
While fans large largely shrugged off such talk in the past, the decision by show boss Steven Moffat to replace John Simm as the Master with Michelle Gomez has increased the chances of a female Doctor.
Capaldi is stepping down this Christmas in a special episode which also stars David Bradley as the First Doctor, originally played by William Hartnell between 1963-66.
Exclusive News: It’s Almost Time. #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/oZvWERhyBL
— BBC One (@BBCOne) July 14, 2017