ACTRESS Michaela Coel has been named among the contenders to be the next Doctor Who amid reports over Jodie Whittaker’s future.

The 38-year-old intends to follow in the footsteps of predecessors including Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi by stepping down after three series at the helm of the Tardis, the Daily Mirror said.

Whittaker, the 13th Doctor, became the first woman to take on the role when she replaced Capaldi in 2017.

Co-stars Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole departed the long-running BBC One sci-fi drama at the end of the New Year special, Revolution Of The Daleks.

Comedian John Bishop has been announced as a new character on the show.

He will play Dan, who “becomes embroiled in the Doctor’s adventures” and will star alongside Whittaker and Mandip Gill, who returns as Yaz.

Despite the shake-up, showrunner Chris Chibnall is reportedly set to stay with the production.

Here is a look at some of the stars who have been linked with the part:

Michaela Coel

Bookmaker Coral has named writer and actress Michaela Coel as the favourite to take over the role from Whittaker, with odds placed at 5/1.

The London-born star is perhaps best known for the hit BBC series I May Destroy You, which she created, co-directed and starred in.

She also created the Bafta-winning comedy Chewing Gum for E4, which was based on her play Chewing Gum Dreams.

Coel, 33, who is also a poet, has starred in the BBC and Netflix thriller Black Earth Rising.

Richard Ayoade

The IT Crowd star Richard Ayoade has also been linked with the role.

The actor, television presenter, filmmaker and comedian is 6/1 to land the part, according to Coral.

The 43-year-old is known for appearing in programmes including The Crystal Maze, Travel Man and Gadget Man.

He has also directed the films Submarine and The Double.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge has also been named among the frontrunners for the part.

Waller-Bridge was previously linked with the role prior to Whittaker being announced as the first female Doctor but she dismissed the speculation at the time.

However Waller-Bridge, 35, reportedly said at the time it would be “cool” to play the part.

Kris Marshall

Media reports have also tipped My Family and Death In Paradise star Kris Marshall for the role.

The actor, 47, was also linked with the job in 2017 after Peter Capaldi left the programme.

David Harewood

Homeland actor David Harewood, 55, could also be in the frame to land the part.

Speculation in the media has touted the Birmingham-born star as a potential successor to Whittaker.

Tom Rosenthal

Friday Night Dinner star Tom Rosenthal, 32, is another actor who has been linked with the lead role in the BBC programme.

He is 14/1 to land the role, according to Coral.