There is a rumor that the newest Doctor on Doctor Who has been cast, with Kris Marshall reportedly landing the role. Ever since the show's third season, the role of the Doctor has been a temporary one. His original portrayer - William Hartnell - was ill and struggling with the role after three years. Not wanting to cancel such a successful show, the concept of the alien Doctor regenerating into a new body whenever he died was conceived. Thirteen actors have played The Doctor over the years. Generally an actor plays the role for a few years and then moves on. Ever since 2014, The Doctor has been played by Peter Capaldi.

Capaldi has already announced that the current season of the revived show - the tenth - will be his last, though he will also appear in the Christmas Special. In fact, he has already filmed his "death" scene. Capaldi's exit is at the same time as showrunner Steven Moffat's, and the new showrunner has already been announced as Chris Chibnall. But so far, there has been no word on who will be taking over the role of The Doctor - until today.

According to the Mirror, a source at the BBC has revealed the identity of the next actor to step into the role. If the rumor is true, the next Doctor will be played by Love Actually actor Kris Marshall.

Marshall's name has been mentioned before as possibly taking the part. Every time a new Doctor is needed, the rumors fly as to who will take over the role. Marshall's name has certainly been mentioned more than once as of late. And he's experienced at leading a show, since he recently played the lead role on three seasons of a show called Death in Paradise.

Marshall's name might be a bit of a surprise to those who hoped that the next Doctor would be a woman. Names like Tilda Swinton and Olivia Colman have also been mentioned as possible replacements for Capaldi. While women have been suggested by fans before, recently the Doctor's nemesis The Master regenerated into a woman - Missy. This confirmation that Time Lords can become Time Ladies has made some all the more eager to see the first female Doctor after the next regeneration.

The Mirror says that according to their source, it was never going to be a woman, the BBC wanted a David Tennant type. Tennant, of course, played the Tenth Doctor to great acclaim. At this time, there is no confirmation that this rumor is true, so keep checking Screen Rant for the final word who the next Doctor will be.

Next: Everything We Know (So Far) About Doctor Who Season 10

Doctor Who season 10 begins April 15th, 2017, on BBC1 and BBC America.

Source: Mirror