It would seem the BBC managed to smuggle their biggest hint yet about whoβll be taking over the lead role in βDoctor Whoβ into last nightβs (4 July) βNewsnightβ.
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 βNewsnightβ, presenter Evan Davis said: βBookiesβ favourite Phoebe Waller-Bridge has denied claims that sheβs going to be the first female Doctorβ¦
βBut then Joanna Lumley has already played the role for Comic Relief, so that would technically be true.β
Producers then cut to a recent YouTube interview with the βFleabagβ star, in which she purposefully avoids discussing βDoctor Whoβ rumours, claiming: βI am not allowed to say anything about that one way or the other.β
As βNewsnightβ drew to a close, they then threw a βWhoβ-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.
Phoebeβs name has repeatedly come up in conjunction with starring in βDoctor Whoβ, with fans still debating whether itβs finally time for a female to take over the reins of the show.
Meanwhile, Peter Capaldiβs 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 Doctorβs past, to see him off in style.