Russell T Davies eyes up next Doctor Who

Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies has suggested who would make an 'amazing' Time Lord after David Tennant.

The writer said that Russell Tovey, who appeared in last year's Christmas Doctor Who special as Midshipman Frame, would be perfect for the role in emails serialised in The Times.

"He's amazing. I think I'd make him the eleventh Doctor," said Davies, who was responsible for resurrecting the sci-fi series for the BBC in 2005.

The young actor is best known for his role as Rudge in Alan Bennett's play The History Boys, which was also made into a film in 2006.

The correspondence also reveals that the writer wanted J.K. Rowling to star in a Christmas special but the idea was vetoed by the current Doctor, David Tennant.

"David doesn't like the J.K. idea," writes Russell. "He thinks it sounds like a spoof, so we've paused slightly, wondering whether to win him round or just abandon something that he's not going to be happy with. We've got to keep him happy."

Russell, who will leave his role as writer and executive producer of the show next year, also revealed that Dennis Hopper, the Hollywood actor, was keen to appear in Doctor Who.