Will Love Actually's Kris Marshall be the new Doctor Who?

Scotsman Peter Capaldi is due to step down from his role as Doctor Who at the end of this year.

But who will replace him in the iconic role? Will they be younger or older than the 58-year-old Scot – and could we see the first female Time Lord?

Here are some of the latest predictions:

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Kris Marshall

Kris Marshall is best known for playing Nick in the BBC's My Family and Colin in the 2003 rom-com Love Actually. For six years he appeared in the BT adverts before taking over as the lead detective in Death in Paradise in 2013. He is currently the favourite to replace Capaldi, according to [1]William Hill, which gives him odds of 8/11. Ladbrokes even temporarily suspended its bets on the actor earlier this week after a surge of punters backed him. "If he does get the gig, the bookies will be exterminated first," said a spokesman.

Tilda Swinton

Hollywood actor Tilda Swinton is the second favourite to take on the role. Known for her starring turns in We Need To Talk About Kevin and the Chronicles of Narnia series, the Oscar-winner would be the first female Time Lord in the show's 54-year history.

Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman is another actor who pops up in seemingly endless television shows these days. The 43-year-old has impressed audiences for years with her ability to pull off comedy (Peep Show) and tragedy (Broadchurch). She also appeared in the 2010 Doctor Who episode The Eleventh Hour.

Maxine Peake

The Doctor Who team has previously said it admires Maxine Peake "enormously", and the actor is now among the favourites to step into Capaldi's shoes. She has starred in dramas such as Silk, as well as comedies such as Dinner Ladies and Shameless.

Tom Ellis

Lucifer and Miranda star Tom Ellis is back on the list of contenders, having been named as an option to replace David Tennant as the Time Lord in 2010. He has appeared on the show as Thomas Milligan and in real life was once married to another Doctor Who guest star, Tamzin Outhwaite.

Ben Whishaw

Best known as Q in the latest James Bond films, Ben Whishaw is no stranger to physics-defying tricks and gadgets.

He also won a Bafta for his performance as Richard II in the BBC's 2013 adaptation of Shakespeare's history plays. He has been nominated twice for his roles in London Spy and Criminal Justice.