Richard Ayoade is reportedly being lined up to replace Peter Capaldi in 'Doctor Who'.
Richard Ayoade
The 39-year-old comedian, who rose to fame with the Channel 4 hit show 'The IT Crowd', has already landed gigs presenting the 'Great British Bake Off' and the reboot of 'Crystal Maze' but it looks like his portfolio could be about to hot up even more as he's now a contender to play the iconic titular character in the sci-fi series.
A source told The Sun Online: "Richard is very highly thought of in the industry and is well liked. BBC bosses have discussed him as a option to replace Peter as they think he would bring something different to the role.
"The final decision is still some way off and it's all to play for. He's very much seen as a Channel 4 poster boy so tempting him away would be something of a coup."
And, although no contracts have been signed as of yet, if Richard does secure the role of the Time Lord, it will be the first time a black actor has nabbed the gig.
Hearts across the nation broke this year when Capaldi announced he was stepping down as the time-travelling scientist when show runner Steven Moffatt walks away.
The 58-year-old actor has portrayed the Time Lord in the BBC sci-fi drama for almost four years but will exit the TARDIS for the last time in the 2017 Christmas Special.
Capaldi has admitted he will be very "sad" to no longer play the Twelfth Doctor as one of the things he has enjoyed most about landing his dream role is that children see him as the heroic character when he's out in public.
And, with so much speculation flying around, he's adamant he isn't bothered whether the new Doctor is male or female - providing they are "right for the part".
Tagged in Peter Capaldi Richard Ayoade