2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Lois McCarthy)
Welsh Doctor Who showrunner, Russell T Davies has shot down the possibility of Michael Sheen becoming the next Time Lord, joking: "We can't afford him!" In the sixty years Doctor Who has been on our screens a Welsh actor has never picked up the iconic sonic screwdriver. However, in a recent interview withWalesOnline, Russell - who was in Cardiff discussing the launch of Welsh National Theatre, more on that here - put to bed the chitchat that the Port Talbot actor will not be making history as the first ever Welsh Doctor. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
The question of who will next play the Doctor has been one of the most hotly debated topics among fans and media following speculation that the current Time Lord, Ncuti Gatwa, is moving on from the role. WalesOnline added another twist by suggesting Welsh actor Michael Sheen as a possible candidate. However, Russell has firmly passed the idea, saying it is "too late" for Michael to take on the coveted role.
Speaking with WalesOnline, Russell explained why Michael, despite his immense popularity and experience, won't be moving into the TARDIS anytime soon. "We can't afford him," he laughed. "But in all seriousness, he's too busy! Plus he's been in Doctor Who—it's too late.
He's been in Doctor Who as an evil voice." This refers to Michael's previous involvement in the show, where he voiced the sinister 'House' in the 2010 episode The Doctor's Wife. While Michael's portrayal as the menacing alien was memorable, Russell made it clear that past participation in the show rules him out for the role of the Doctor.
The question of the Doctor's potential recasting emerged as part of a larger conversation about the future of Doctor Who, a series that has been captivating audiences for over six decades. The show, which first aired in 1963, is known for its ability to reinvent itself with each new incarnation of the Doctor, making the casting of the next Time Lord an ongoing source of intrigue. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here However, the future of the sci-fi show has become more uncertain in recent months.
The Sun reported that Ncuti Gatwa, the 32-year-old Scottish actor who took over the role of the Doctor in 2023, has already filmed his regeneration scene as he prepares for a move to Los Angeles to pursue other acting projects. The rumours have fuelled greater concerns about what is next for Doctor Who, amid the growing backlash of its most recent storylines. In light of this, the BBC told WalesOnline: "Doctor Who has not been shelved.
The decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs. The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes, and exactly half of those still have to transmit. "And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.
" Meanwhile, another Welsh actor has expressed interest in the role of the Doctor. Swansea actor Robert Wilfort, known for his role as Jason in Gavin & Stacey, threw his hat into the ring back in February. Robert posted a photo of a blue police box on Instagram and cheekily commented, "As new Dr Who rumours circulate, I'd like to throw my hat in the ring.
If you're listening Russell, it's time for a Welsh Doctor." Since its inception, Doctor Who has featured a range of actors in the iconic role, from the beloved Tom Baker and David Tennant to the more recent Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti Gatwa. Each iteration of the Doctor brings something fresh and unique to the series, and it’s this constant reinvention that has kept Doctor Who relevant and exciting for generations of viewers.
For now, fans of the show will have to continue wondering who will be the next to step into the TARDIS. While Michael Sheen will not be playing the Doctor, it seems the show has no shortage of potential candidates..
