Saunders and Ifans linked to 'Dr Who' role

Rex Features

Jennifer Saunders and Rhys Ifans have both been lined up to replace David Tennant, according to reports in the British press.

Following Catherine Tate's comments suggesting that the next season will be Tennant's last as the Time Lord, media speculation about his replacement has been rampant.

Saunders, best known for her comedy skits with Dawn French, is apparently "in talks" to feature as The Doctor in one episode, according to The Sun. "She’s in the running and we all think she would be fantastic," an insider told the tabloid.

Coincidentally, Saunders' Absolutely Fabulous co-star Joanna Lumley portrayed a female version of The Doctor in the 1999 Comic Relief skit 'Curse of the Fatal Death', penned by new series writer Steven Moffat.

Meanwhile, the Daily Express claims that Notting Hill actor Rhys Ifans is being earmarked for the part. 'BBC moles' reportedly told the paper that Ifans is "one of the front runners" and "would make a more maverick, slightly menacing Doctor, perhaps more in the Tom Baker mould".

In recent weeks, John Simm and James Nesbitt have also been labelled as Tennant's future successor. The BBC has yet to confirm or deny any casting rumours concerning the next Doctor.

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