LONDON — Who will be the new Who? The BBC says Matt Smith, below, is stepping down from the lead role in the long-running science-fiction series “Doctor Who,” spurring intense speculation about his replacement.
The broadcaster said Sunday that Smith will leave after a November episode to mark the show’s 50th anniversary and a Christmas special. The titular Doctor is a time-traveling, extraterrestrial Time Lord who can regenerate into new bodies. Smith is the 11th actor to play the character since the series began in 1963.
The BBC did not announce Smith’s replacement, but fans took to the Internet to speculate about casting of the 12th Doctor.
Bookmaker William Hill made “Being Human” star Russell Tovey and “Harry Potter” alumnus Rupert Grint 10-1 favorites, followed by stage star Rory Kinnear and “Homeland” actor David Harewood.
William Hill also offered 8-1 odds on the next Doctor being female.
The Associated Press
