‘Doctor Who’ To Replace Peter Capaldi; 6 Women Who Could Play The 13th Doctor

It’s always bittersweet news for “Doctor Who” fans when a leading actor leaves. The BBC America series switches leading actors every few years, and that’s a bit upsetting for Peter Capaldi fans. However, Whovians are also excited about who could possibly be the next doctor.

While no announcements have been made, there are rumors about who could replace Capaldi as the time traveling alien. One big rumor, which tends to float around during every regeneration, is that the next Doctor could be a woman. Even former companion Billie Piper (who played Rose Tyler) said it’s time for the British series to shake up the role.

“I’ve always supported the original format, but I don’t know where they can go from here,” Piper told the BBC. “I think it would be great [to have a female Doctor] given the spirit of the world at the moment. I think it would be timely.”

There are plenty of actresses we can think of who would be perfect to handle the TARDIS.

Hayley Atwell

With the fate of “Conviction” not looking bright, it would seem like Atwell is available. Atwell has the comedic timing and dramatic flair to make a great lead on any TV show, but it seems she would be interested in “Who.”

When a fan asked if she wanted to simply be on the show, she responded, “I’d like to BE Doctor Who.”

Amanda Abbington

Well, she’s not busy with “Sherlock” anymore. The actress was killed off the PBS series this year, and she’s a big fan of the long-running sci-fi drama. She also has brought up the idea of being the doctor.

“[Showrunner Steven Moffat] probably wants me to be the first female Doctor, that’s what I imagine, that's why he’s holding back,” Abbington joked to the Independent in 2015. “And wouldn’t that cause problems!”

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

The talented actress could certainly handle the difficulty of playing the Doctor, but her already demanding schedule might not. The “Black Mirror” actress has a lot of her time booked with four movies, including “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Wrinkle in Time,” set to come out over the next two years.

Evanna Lynch

If there was ever an actress as quirky as the doctor, it’s probably the “Harry Potter” alum. The former Luna Lovegood actress could definitely bring a sense of whimsy to the role.

Maggie Smith

Okay, it’s a long shot. The “Downton Abbey” actress likely isn’t in a rush to join another TV show, but just picture it. She’d be an amazingly sassy Doctor.

Rose Leslie

Because man or woman, the Doctor really just wants to be a ginger.

Whovians will discover if a woman will finally play the Doctor in “Doctor Who” Season 10. There will likely be an announcement before the regeneration episode airs. The new season debuts on BBC America Saturday, April 15 at 9 p.m. EST.