Doctor Who fans vote Richard Ayoade as favourite to replace Jodie Whittaker

Poll follows after speculation that Whittaker could exit the series after its 13th season

Doctor Who fans have voted Richard Ayoade as their first pick to take over from Jodie Whittaker, according to a new poll.

On Monday (4 December), reports emerged claiming that Whittaker, who plays the first female Doctor, is planning to quit Doctor Who after the conclusion of its forthcoming 13th series.

While the BBC said that they would not “be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show”, fans of the series have had their say on who they would want to replace the star in the event of her departure.

Ayoade came in at first place in a poll conducted by Metro.co.uk with 38 per cent of the voting pool casting their vote for the Crystal Maze host.

Actor Kris Marshall – best known for his roles in Love Actually and Death in Paradise– followed close behind, amassing 33 per cent of the vote. 

Meanwhile, Jo Martin, who previously appeared in season 12 of the hit series when she was revealed to be a past incarnation of the Doctor, garnered 12 per cent. 

Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who (BBC/James Pardon)

The creator of last year’s critically acclaimed BBC Drama I May Destroy You, Michaela Coel, is also in the running to take over the coveted role. She secured six per cent of votes.

Similarly, Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge accounted for six per cent of votes, with Killing Eve star Jodie Comer trailing close behind with five per cent.

It’s just been announced that former Time Lords David Tennant and his father-in-law Peter Davison will return to the world of Doctor Who later this year.