Following the (distressing) departure announcement the state of play at the bookies was given at Outpost Gallifrey. Four of those one the list were in Paul Abbott’s State of Play. I think Simm is unlikely. McAvoy would be great I think, but there’s no way he’d do it. Morrisey I’m not excited about in the role… somehow he’s to… straight. Nighy would have made a fantastic Ninth, but I’m not sure he’d fit now.

When the Doctor returned just over three years ago, I’d hoped David Tennant would be cast, and when Christopher Eccleston left I was excited about the direction he’d take the show. I don’t think I was wrong. Somehow when I’m rewatching previous incumbents I can fully imagine that Tennant is the same person as each of them (even Hartnell!) That’s a remarkable accomplishment, especially as he has made his own Doctor so distinctive.

There’s no one I feel that excitement about now. I’m starting to hope it is Dervla Kirwan, for real. I’m also sorry there won’t be more continuity from Davies to Moffatt. Evolution rather than revolution helps you believe the Doctor is still the same man.

Therefore the ideal scenario, in my opinion, would be if they delayed the casting of eleven and had McGann return for a season of “flashback” episodes as Eight.