Kenneth Branagh is "dying" to appear in an episode of Doctor Who, according to reports.

The Sun quotes an insider on the series as stating that the 46-year-old actor and director "is a fan and would love a role" and has revealed his aspirations to friends.

Branagh is best known for his cinematic adaptations of the works of William Shakespeare, but has also toyed with the fantasy genre through appearances in Wild Wild West and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Since returning to the small screen in 2005, Doctor Who has attracted an array of well-known actors and celebrities appearing either as characters or their real-life personas. These include Sir Derek Jacobi, McFly, Simon Callow, Sharon Osbourne and Barbara Windsor.
Kylie Minogue is to appear in the upcoming Christmas Special 'The Voyage of the Damned' as a waitress named Astrid aboard the Titanic. Hugh Grant is also rumoured to be in talks about a role.