Nesbitt is fans' choice for new Doctor Who

James Nesbitt has been voted the actor that Doctor Who fans would most like to see take over from David Tennant.

Out of 3,500 Doctor Who viewers surveyed on behalf of the Doctor Who Exhibition at Earls Court, 714 fans want to see the Cold Feet star as the next incarnation of the Time Lord.

Second favourite was Shaun Of The Dead star Simon Pegg with 18 per cent of the vote.

The poll - conducted via www.eco.co.uk, the official website of the Earls Court Exhibition Centre where an exhibition of Doctor Who memorabilia is currently on display - also asked fans to vote for their favourite Doctor Who, and Doctor Who enemy.

Current Time Lord David Tennant proved the nation's favourite with 62 per cent of the vote but Tom Baker - best known for his eccentricity during the 1960s series - remains a classic Who icon, coming in at second place with 19 per cent.

Tennant is remaining tight-lipped over when he plans to quit as Doctor Who.

The Daleks were of course the most popular enemy, with a whopping 44 per cent and they are due to reappear in Saturday night's episode of the BBC series.

The Doctor Who exhibition features many of the actual props and costumes worn by the stars of the show David Tennant, Billie Piper and Catherine Tate, along with plus creatures from the hit sci-fi show.