David Harewood linked to Doctor Who role

Homeland actor David Harewood is the latest name to be linked to the lead role in Doctor Who after bookies noted a surge in bets for the star. (Rex Features)

Homeland actor David Harewood is the latest name to be linked to the lead role in Doctor Who after bookies noted a surge in bets for the star.

William Hill has given a price of 16/1 for him to take over from Matt Smith and become the first black Doctor.

The 47-year-old expressed an interest in the role during an appearance on Loose Women earlier this week, saying: "It would be really difficult to turn down. It's very exciting."

Green Wing star Julian Rhind-Tutt is another to be touted as a possible replacement, with reports he has been added to the shorlist.

The 44-year-old actor - who most recently starred in BBC period drama The Hour as government spin doctor Angus McCain - is said to have been in the running to play the Time Lord last time he was recast in 2009, but lost out to Matt Smith. And The Sun reported today that he is once again in the running, following Smith's decision to step down at the end of the year.

The new Doctor is expected to be revealed in the next few months and Smith's final appearance is expected to be in the Christmas Special.

Rory Kinnear - who played MI5's Bill Tanner in recent Bond films Quantum Of Solace and Skyfall - currently leads the betting with even money.

William Hill also puts The Thick Of It's Chris Addison at 3/1, followed by Cutting It's Ben Daniels at 5/1.

PA