View source for Is this the face of the new Dr Who?

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| publication = Daily Mail
| file = 2009-01-03 Daily Mail.jpg
| px = 650
| height = 
| width = 
| date = 2009-01-03
| author = Simon Cable
| pages = 
| language = English 
| type = 
| description = 
| categories = cast changes
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| text = 
DOCTOR Who fans will today discover the identity of the latest actor to play the Time Lord.

Paterson Joseph is the runaway favourite and would become the first black man in the role.

David Tennant announced in October that he was stepping down after filming four special episodes in 2009. Since then fans have been busy debating on Internet forums who will take over.

David Morrissey, who starred in the Doctor Who Christmas special, was previously a favourite.

There has also been speculation that Billie Piper, who played the Doctor's assistant Rose Tyler, would become the first woman to take the part.

Tennant's replacement, the eleventh Doctor since the programme was first aired in 1963, will be revealed in Doctor Who Confidential on BBC One at 5.35pm.

The BBC have kept the actor's identity a close secret but did admit they made the decision over Christmas. He or she will star in the 2010 series, due to begin filming in the summer.

Joseph, 44, was the leading contender, with bookmakers William Hill last night putting him at 4/6. He has starred in two previous Doctor Who episodes, both in 2005, and once commented 'any actor would love the challenge' of playing the character.

He starred alongside Leonardo di Caprio in the film The Beach and has had a number of roles in TV dramas such as Soldier Soldier and Casualty. Rupert Adams at

'It will never be the same'

William Hill said: 'All the betting in the last 24 hours has been on Paterson.'

One-time favourite David Morrissey, 44, was second and 31-year-old Chiwetel Ejiofor third.

Comedian Jennifer Saunders, Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones and comedian David Walliams have also all been mentioned as possible candidates. Last night fans on internet forum doctorwho.com were divided over the prospect of a new Doctor.

One, WhoFanatic said: 'Good luck to whoever plays the 11th incarnation of the Doctor. I hope it's Paterson Joseph.'

Another, Bradley Edwards said: 'It will never be the same when David Tennant has gone, no matter who the actor is.'


Caption: Taking over the Tardis? Joseph has appeared in both film and TV roles

Caption: Quitting: Tennant with Catherine Tate as assistant Donna

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