Rhys Ifans to take over TARDIS from David Tennant?

Rhys Ifans could be set to take the keys to the TARDIS from Doctor Who's David Tennant, according to reports that he is next in line to play the Time Lord.

David's co-star Catherine Tate recently let it slip to Jonathan Ross on his Radio 2 show that the next series of the hit BBC One show 'may be David's last' and now it seems Notting Hill actor Rhys is being tipped as the 'frontrunner', reports the Daily Express.

A show insider was quoted as saying: "It's felt that Rhys would bring very different dimensions to the role and would make a more maverick, slightly menacing Doctor, perhaps more in the Tom Baker mould."

But shaggy-haired Rhys, 39, who is currently rumoured to be dating Hollywood starlet Sienna Miller, might have some competition for the role - from Cold Feet actor James Nesbitt.

And there are also reports that Jennifer Saunders could play The Doctor in a special one-off episode.

But a spokeswoman for the show refused to respond to the suggestions, saying: "I'm afraid we don't comment on future storylines."