Doctor Who replacement set to be named

(Getty)

The BBC is set to reveal the identity of David Tennant’s replacement as Doctor Who tomorrow.

An announcement will be made in a special edition of BBC1 show Doctor Who Confidential at 5.35pm, with simultaneous live broadcasts on big screens in cities around the country.

Despite rumours to the contrary, it is believed the next doctor will not be female, disappointing those who called for the popular show to break with tradition.

However, Doctor Who's new executive producers Steven Moffat and Piers Wenger are thought to have steered away from the more obvious names that have been linked to the role.

David Walliams, James Nesbitt and David Morrissey have been linked with the role by bookmakers in recent weeks while less obvious names mentioned include Paterson Joseph, Chiwetel Ejiofor; Ben Wishaw and Russell Tovey.

Wenger said, "We believe the actor is going to bring something very special to the role and will make it absolutely their own. It has been a nail-biting Christmas trying to keep this under wraps."

The BBC added that casting the next Doctor Who as soon as possible was important in order for scripts to be finalised and shooting to begin this summer.