Vicky McClure rules herself out of replacing Jodie Whittaker on Doctor Who: ‘It’s not for me’

‘Line of Duty’ star said she wasn’t a fan of sci-fi shows

Vicky McClure has ruled herself out of replacing Jodie Whittaker on Doctor Who.

The Line of Duty star has long been a favourite among fans and bookmakers to take over from Whittaker when she hangs up her sonic screwdriver as the Doctor later this year.

However, in a new interview with The Guardian, McClure said that while she was flattered by the attention, she didn’t watch the show and would never play the Doctor.

Adding that she hadn’t been approached about the role, she explained that the attention was “lovely”.

“It’s a real compliment,” McClure said. “It’s an iconic piece of telly that’s been going for ever and ever, and I’m sure will continue to, and I wish it well, but it’s not for me.”

She continued: “You know, the TV I make is usually the TV I will enjoy myself. So what I tend to do is go for parts I feel can stretch my imagination – like, even bomb disposal is so far from my world, but the understanding of fear, we all have.

“Once we start moving to sci-fi, that’s where I start to lose interest.”

Vicky McClure (left) and Kelly Macdonald in ‘Line of Duty’ (BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill)

Whittaker’s time as the Doctor will come to an end at the end of this year, with two more specials left to air before her departure.

Russell T Davies is returning as showrunner on Doctor Who in 2023, meaning he will be picking the next Doctor.

As a result, many have speculated that one of the cast of It’s A Sin will take over the role – either Lydia West (Whittaker’s own choice) or Omari Douglas.

You can see all the actors in the running here.