It would seem the BBC managed to smuggle their biggest hint yet about whoâll be taking over the lead role in âDoctor Whoâ into last nightâs (4 July) âNewsnightâ.
While all signs have so far pointed towards Kris Marshall succeeding Peter Capaldi as Time Lord, it now looks as though the coveted part could end up going to Phoebe Waller-Bridge after all.
Wrapping up the latest edition of âNewsnightâ, presenter Evan Davis said: âBookiesâ favourite Phoebe Waller-Bridge has denied claims that sheâs going to be the first female DoctorâŠ
âBut then Joanna Lumley has already played the role for Comic Relief, so that would technically be true.â
Producers then cut to a recent YouTube interview with the âFleabagâ star, in which she purposefully avoids discussing âDoctor Whoâ rumours, claiming: âI am not allowed to say anything about that one way or the other.â
As âNewsnightâ drew to a close, they then threw a âWhoâ-esque regeneration graphic over Phoebe, suggesting it could well be her who takes over at the helm of the Tardis.
HuffPost UK has contacted the BBC for comment.
Phoebeâs name has repeatedly come up in conjunction with starring in âDoctor Whoâ, with fans still debating whether itâs finally time for a female to take over the reins of the show.
Meanwhile, Peter Capaldiâs time as the Twelfth Doctor will come to an end this Christmas, with an official announcement about his successor expected in the coming months.
It was reported earlier this week that his farewell episode would see the return of a familiar face from The Doctorâs past, to see him off in style.