James Bond star Ben Whishaw has ruled out replacing Jodie Whittaker as Doctor Who when her reign as the 13th Doctor ends later this year.
The 41-year-old actor - who is best known for playing Q in the Bond films - is set to take on a new role as an NHS Doctor in the TV adaptation of Adam Kay's best-selling novel This is Going to Hurt.
But Ben has also been mentioned as a fan favourite to replace Jodie Whittaker as the next Time Lord, when the Doctor regenerates after three final specials set to air in the autumn of 2022.
Read more: BBC's This is Going to Hurt: When is Adam Kay drama on, how many episodes and cast
Appearing on Lorraine on Tuesday, February 8, he was quizzed by the presenter about whether he would be taking on the iconic role as the 14th doctor.
"You know there is all this speculation about James Bond, equally about Doctor Who and I know that you're a fan favourite," Lorraine said: "I got so much stuff online when people knew you were coming on, they said 'you've got to ask him about Doctor Who' but I'm guessing you can't say very much?"
"I'm definitely not Doctor Who, I can say that," the A Very English Scandal actor said whilst smiling.
"Aww that is going to crush people so much!" Lorraine replied: "Is it not happening?"
"I'm sorry, no no I've not auditioned for Doctor Who," Ben replied whilst laughing.
"Because I think you would be great!" Lorraine added. "I really do, I think you'd be fantastic."
It was announced in July 2021, that Jodie Whittaker - who started in the role in 2017 and made history by becoming the first woman to play the part - would be stepping down and handing back the Tardis keys along with showrunner Chris Chibnall.
Since Jodie's departure was revealed, a number of names have been thrown into the running for the 14th Doctor, including It's A Sin star and Years and Years singer, Olly Alexander
But sadly, his manager Martha Kinn quashed rumours in a pun-filled statement, saying: “Even though Olly is often contacted by Cybermen, I’m afraid I have to exterminate this speculation. As nice as it is to see interest in this story regenerate, it just isn’t true. As odd as it might sound, Olly is focusing on his music, for the time being."
Line of Duty and Trigger Point star Vicky McClure, It's A Sin's Lydia West and IT Crowd star Richard Ayoade have also been tipped by fans to take on the role.
This is Going to Start is a seven-part series which stars on BBC on Tuesday, February 8 from 9pm. Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV from 9am.
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