Olly Alexander, Years and Years frontman and star of the Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin, is rumoured to be the next Doctor Who, much to the delight of fans.
If true, Alexander would be the first gay actor to be cast in the role and become 14th incarnation of the Time Lord, taking over from Broadchurch actress and current Doctor Jodie Whittaker.
While there’s been no official confirmation of Whittaker exiting the sci-fi series, speculation intensified after she failed to appear on the newly released 2022 Doctor Who annual cover.
The Mirror reports that Whittaker will appear in the next series of the programme, followed by two specials next year, before regenerating – potentially into Alexander.
A source told The Sun on Saturday that Alexander is “on the verge of being announced” as the next TARDIS occupant, with talks apparently at an “advanced stage”.
“He’s been heavily promoted for the role by Russell [T Davies, former showrunner]— who he’s worked closely with on other projects. Russell was impressed with his work and felt he was a great fit for the Doctor.
“It’s definitely happening, he’s just had to keep quiet about it while negotiations were finalised,” they said.
Whether Alexander is the next person to travel time and space in the big blue box remains uncertain, but it’s fair to say that Twitter is very excited at the possibility:
Olly Alexander is the new #DoctorWho AND I LOVE IT! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/IiaPg5fdwr
— Rocinante 🚀 #TheExpanse 🚀 🇳🇴 (@LilibetWood) June 27, 2021
I don't know whether I've heard this right. Correct me if I'm wrong. Is Olly Alexander from years and years and #Itsasin going to the brand new doctor on #DoctorWho. If so I'm very pleased about this. Olly was incredible in Its a sin and it's great to get the first gay doctor 👏
— Ryan Glendenning (@RyanGTweetsTV) June 27, 2021
I don't watch Dr Who anymore, I love Jodie Whittaker just didn't enjoy her doctor. I've got a feeling it's just lost its momentum, but if this Olly Alexander (don't really know who he is) ends up playing the Time Lord, there's a chance we could end up with a ginger Doctor!!!!
— May Redfern (@MyLilWarriorHam) June 27, 2021
olly alexander has the one absolutely crucial trait to be the next doctor: a really good panicky run https://t.co/LTHDmiKFaJ
— caitlin powell (@caitlinpwll) June 27, 2021
Meanwhile, others have hoped for another female Doctor after Whittaker, warning that her time in the role could look like “a blip” if the Doctor returns to being a man:
Not to say Olly Alexander wouldn't be good ?
— Billie x (@EnbyBeanBillie) June 27, 2021
I love him ! A lot !
But if ANYTHING he is more of a companion than a doctor.
I think the next doctor has to be a woman tho
Or else Jodie looks like an outlier and gamble that didn't quite pay off
When it most definitely has
I really don't know what y'all see in Olly Alexander that makes him suitable Doctor material tbh, really hoping the next Doctor is female as well anyway otherwise 13 just looks like a blip...
— CharlieTheWhovian 📚✏ (@charlieq_02) June 27, 2021
Given that a handful of people were outraged at the possibility of a shape-shifting alien being a woman, some Twitter users mocked the idea of these people being angry once more – this time at the prospect of a gay Doctor.
I've just read one of the best tweets I've ever seen. In response to the Olly Alexander rumours, some homophobe speculating that there probably aren't that many LGBTQ+ Doctor Who fans.
— Ben Tedds (@BenTedds42) June 27, 2021
If someone would like to bring them up to speed, I would love to see that.
men hearing an unconfirmed report of olly alexander possibly becoming the new doctor pic.twitter.com/fuXpvEtRAC
— Loz 🦥 (@lozp_) June 27, 2021
Alexander has already been asked about the rumours, telling The One Show in April: “Do you think if I was [cast in the role] I would tell you?”
He added: “I would love to – what an amazing role that would be – but it’s not happening I don’t think anytime soon.”
Well, whether it’s true or not, he certainly has experience with years and years...
