Doctor Who could get unlikely star as fans call on BAFTA winner to be given a chance

An unexpected television star could become the next Doctor Who if bosses heed fan demands. The BAFTA-winning actor has now revealed his enthusiasm for the part, expressing his desire to inject a "working class" element into the enduring sci-fi character. Supporters were thrilled when beloved actress Billie Piper emerged as the latest version of the Time Lord.

Her appointment as the iconic Doctor comes after Ncuti Gatwa's exit from the programme. However, a fresh contender for the position could emerge from a BAFTA laureate recognised for his stint on EastEnders, plus cinema appearances in The Football Factory and Run For Your Wife.

Whether Danny Dyer's ambition to portray the Doctor materialises remains uncertain, though enthusiasts are optimistic the performer will receive the opportunity.

Dyer said: "It's such an iconic thing to do. It's almost - not on the same level - like James Bond. It gives you an opportunity with Doctor Who, because of the nature of the work, to bring something left-field, something a bit mental, a bit stylised, which I love. I love the idea of it."

Supporters appear enthusiastic about the "incredibly working-class Doctor Who" Dyer would deliver to screens. A discussion on the r/DoctorWhoNews Reddit forum saw devotees explore the prospects for the performer.

One enthusiast commented: "Honestly, I dig it. It could never happen as the BBC and Bad Wolf need to save face but I'd love a series of Comic Relief /Children in Need sketches where they put a variety of ill-judged castings in the role and they all smash it."

"You could make a solid comedy about the weird choices and misjudgements of the last few years of the show."

Another user pointed out that Danny Dyer's acting prowess is often overlooked, arguing that his portfolio of roles makes him an ideal candidate for the next Doctor Who.

They commented: "People have forgotten he's actually a bl**dy great actor, really watchable. Let's not forget one of the most celebrated British playwrights, Harold Pinter, thought Dyer was so unbelievably talented he continuously cast him in all his productions. That's a glowing seal of approval.

"Now he's just won a BAFTA for Bigstuff (a part written for him by Luke Rattigan from series 4). He's absolutely sensational in Rivals with David Tennant. I honestly can't see why he wouldn't be a brilliant fresh bit of casting.

"Any other actor with cult hits and accolades like that we'd be clawing for."

Not everyone was immediately sold on the idea of Dyer leading the TARDIS, with some initial reactions being a firm "no" to the concept.

However, even the sceptics are coming around to the notion of Doctor Dyer. A fan conceded: "He's not the best actor, but Doctor Who isn't Shakespeare. Maybe this wouldn't actually be that bad."

Echoing this sentiment, another chimed in: "F**k it, why not?"