Doctor Who: 10 Actors Who Came Very Close To Playing The Doctor

8. Bill Nighy

Bill Nighy is a veteran actor of the stage and screen and, as a bonafide British icon in his own right, it's no surprise that his name is often at the top of Whovian wishlists as one of the show's most sought after Doctor Who guest stars. He's actually already been in the series, of course (he made an uncredited, and not to mention underused, cameo appearance as Dr Black in Series 5's Vincent and the Doctor), but fans are still campaigning for him to be brought back in a bigger way. He is, after all, an on screen force to be reckoned with. He's certainly paid his dramatic dues to take on the role of the mighty titular Time Lord himself and his puissant presence would put him in good stead to take on the ever growing host of formidable foes that the universe would have to offer. It almost became a reality, too, as in 2004 he edged closer than ever to stepping aboard the TARDIS when he was offered the role of the Ninth Doctor ahead of the franchise's 21st century reboot. Bill was reportedly "singled out" by showrunner Russell T Davies who actively pursued him for the prestigious role but the BAFTA winner has since clarified: "I don't want to be Doctor Who. No disrespect or anything." None taken, Bill.