‘Doctor Who’: Phoebe Waller-Bridge Insists She’s Not Going To Be The First Time Lord

The star was speaking after her TV Bafta award win.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge has addressed speculation she could be in line to take over from Peter Capaldi in ‘Doctor Who’ - and sadly, it’s bad news for anyone hoping to see her stepping foot in the Tardis.

Speaking backstage at the TV Baftas, where she won the Female Performance in a Comedy Programme, Phoebe explained that as far as she’s aware, the role isn’t hers.

Open Image Modal
Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Mike Marsland via Getty Images

She said (via Digital Spy): “I am not going to be the first female Doctor, not that I know of.

“As far as I know, I am in the ‘Star Wars’ film, yes! I just started thinking I’d make a ridiculous plot to the film, but I’ve been advised not to do that.

“So yes, poker face I’m afraid.”

Phoebe shot into the spotlight thanks to her BBC Three series ‘Fleabag’, and later this year she’ll make her big screen debut, in the ‘Star Wars’ Han Solo spin-off film.

The first photo of the cast was revealed back in February and Phoebe - who has a mystery role - will star alongside Alden Ehrenreich, who is leading the gang as Han himself and Donald Glover, who plays a young Lando Calrissian.

Who Will Replace Peter Capaldi In 'Doctor Who'? All The Rumours So Far...
Kris Marshall(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
Honestly speaking, the former 'My Family' actor is probably the horse we'd be putting our money on.

Not only is he the bookies' favourite for the job, various sources have claimed that producers want him to follow on from Peter Capaldi, and he mysteriously stepped down from 'Death In Paradise' around the time the Time Lord vacancy opened up.
(credit:Venturelli via Getty Images)
Ben Whishaw(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
But, of course, the most obvious solution isn't always the right one.

'James Bond' actor Ben Whishaw (who plays Q in the spy saga) was among the names initially linked with the job, although it's been a long time since we've seen his name linked with taking on the role.

Whether this is because he's ultimately not been chosen or because the BBC is trying to keep things secret remains to be seen.
(credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Richard Madden(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
An insider told The Sun earlier this year: "[Richard] will be high on the list of potential replacements when the formal casting process gets under way.

“He’s very different to Peter, obviously a lot younger, but part of the appeal to regenerating the Doctor every few years is to reinvent the character."
(credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Frances De La Tour(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
When departing Time Lord Peter Capaldi was asked for his choice for the role, he not only said he wanted a woman to get the gig, but also gave Frances as his top pick.

With predecessors like Matt Smith, David Tennant and Christoper Ecclestone, we'd be intrigued to see what the 'Vicious' actress brought to the iconic role of the Doctor.
(credit:Julian Parker via Getty Images)
David Harewood(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
Another name bookies have repeatedly thrown out, David has said he thinks it's time that a BAME or female actor take over the lead role in 'Doctor Who'.

Admitting it was "nice to be in the running", he told the BBC: "It needs to do something different, so I think it's either going to be a black person or a woman. It would just bring a different flavour to it."
(credit:David Crotty via Getty Images)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
As the discussion about whether it's time for a woman to take charge of 'Doctor Who' continues, Phoebe's is a name that has cropped up repeatedly.

The 'Fleabag' creator spoke about the rumours in May, saying it would be a "great time" for a woman to land the job, adding: "There are so many great actresses out there who I think would kill it."
(credit:Rabbani and Solimene Photography via Getty Images)
Olivia Colman(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
Similarly, Phoebe's 'Fleabag' co-star Olivia Colman has also been linked with potentially succeeding Peter Capaldi.

One of Britain's leading TV stars, former Doctor (and her 'Broadchurch' co-star) David Tennant added that she'd be "a magnificent choice" for the part.
(credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
David Bradley(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
David previously starred as William Hartnell - the actor behind the First Doctor - in the 2013 biopic, 'An Adventure In Space And Time'.

When quizzed about rumours he'd be taking over the role of the First Doctor again, he teased (via the Birmingham Mail): "Who knows? You didn't hear it from me, that's all I can say."
(credit:Albert L. Ortega via Getty Images)
Damien Molony(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
Damien was named by 'Doctor Who' writer Toby Whithouse as a "terrific" choice to take over the role, and he'd certainly work amid claims producers are hoping to recruit a younger, David Tennant-esque star. (credit:John Lamparski via Getty Images)
Chiwetel Ejiofor(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
In the same interview in which Damien's name was mentioned, Bafta-winner Chiwetel was also suggested as an "ideal choice" for the part.

Series writer Toby Whithouse told Digital Spy that he'd be "terrific" as the Thirteenth Doctor.
(credit:Albert L. Ortega via Getty Images)