Doctor Who: 10 Actors Who Should Be Capaldi's Next Companion

10. Himesh Patel

A regular cast member of BBC One's top "continuing drama" EastEnders, Patel plays Tamwar Masood and is one of its best kept secrets. Though the likes of the Mitchells and Carters tear up the screen with their various antics, Tamwar has made his own distinctive mark on the series. He's reserved and appears to sit on the sidelines but is no pushover, using his dry wit and sensitive nature to his advantage. A comedian at heart, he was revealed to have created his own website taking off the residents of Albert Square. He also faced personal demons when caught up in a terrifying blaze. It's not overstating it to say Tamwar verges on the geeky side - his love of Doctor Who is well-known. If Patel were to leave EastEnders and join the Time Lord in a similar role he'd be speaking a language many fans would understand. Capaldi would no doubt find his reticence deeply frustrating, but as time went on he'd discover an intelligent, hilarious and principled young man who is full of surprises.