Clarke: Black Doctor is 'a possibility'

A black man could be next in line to play The Doctor, according to Doctor Who actor Noel Clarke.

David Tennant recently announced that he is to leave the sci-fi show at the of 2009, prompting speculation that Peep Showstar Patterson Joseph could take on the role.

"I was the first black companion. If he is the first black Doctor, then good luck to him," said Clarke, who plays Mickey Smith in the time-travelling series.

"[The Doctor] is an alien life form who changes and transforms and there is no reason why it can't be a woman, an alien, a man, a fellow. So whoever it is, good luck to them."

Other actors linked to the role include David Morrissey and Robert Carlyle.