10 Actors Who Should Play Doctor Who (But Won't)

9. Russell Tovey

Doctor Who Ben Whishaw Tardis
BBC Studios

Russell Tovey, the famed Alonso from the 2007 Christmas special Voyage of the Damned, is an actor who has already appeared on the show, but would be a great choice for the Doctor. In this case, he seems like he'd be able to portray a Doctor that's much more human and down-to-earth than many of the incarnations we've had previously.

His Doctor would be an oddball, certainly, but would also desperately want to understand the social interactions he has, and make connections with people. David Tennant was one of the most empathetic Doctors ever, and people bloody loved him!

Tovey has made quite a presence for himself over the years, certainly on television but most impressively in theatre. He's also an RTD favourite, having worked with him on both Doctor Who and Years and Years.

However, he's the total opposite of Domhnall Gleeson in that he probably doesn't possess enough star power for the role. With Disney+, Ncuti Gatwa, and rumoured spinoffs galore, it feels like the era of Doctors being relative unknowns is coming to an end. Allons-y, Alonso.

Contributor
Contributor

Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.