Hugh Grant is reportedly in 'secret talks' to play the next Doctor Who.
The Notting Hill star, 61, is said to be odds-on favourite to replace the current Time Lord, Jodie Whittaker, 39, who is bowing out of the show this year.
Hugh turned down the chance to play the iconic character in 2005, but two years later admitted he regretted his decision.
He said at the time: "It’s only when you see it on screen you think, ‘Damn, that was good, why did I say no?'"
However it could be a case of second time lucky for the star after it was reported Hugh's in line to bag the coveted role.
The show's stalwart Russel T Davies is returning to the show for its 60th anniversary having handed over the reigns to his successors Stevan Moffatt and Chris Chibnall in 2009.
However ratings haven't been great since the show's reboot and now Russell is said to be wooing the thespian to boost them back up.
A TV insider said: "Russell wants him to bring a fresh feel to the role. He’s a great award-winning actor, a Hollywood A-lister and excellent at comedy. Conversations are already in progress," reports The Star.
Sources claim the writer wants to to build a "multiverse" around Hugh and get the most bang for their buck with a number of spin-offs.
Russell's vision is said to be backed by BBC chiefs and Sony Pictures TV bosses, who bought a majority stake in the independent production company Wolf Studios, which makes the show.
The insider added: "The vision is it can become a Marvel-like product, building franchises around the Doctor and other key characters."
Jodie's last shows as the 13th Time Lord will air this year.
The 60th anniversary is seen as the "first step" to getting the show back in the public eye.
David Tennant is thought to be returning for two episodes, after reuniting with Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi for a special.
However fans wanting to get a glimpse of Hugh in the Tardis are in for a wait.
The insider revealed: "The new Doctor will then be unveiled in 2024."
A whole host of famous faces have been touted to take on what is considered to be of the Beeb's plummiest gigs.
Stars including EastEnder's Danny Dyer and Welsh actor Michael Sheen were in the mix, but nothing has been confirmed or denied.
The Mirror has contacted reps for the BBC and Hugh.
