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

9. Emer Kenny

Patel's EastEnders co-star Kenny left the soap in 2010, having caused a lot of trouble as manipulative tearaway Zsa Zsa Carter. Sexy, passionate and razor sharp, she grew up in the turbulent Carter family and established an awkward bond with hellraising relative Shirley. Kenny's introduction to the show wasn't what you'd expect - she actually joined EastEnders as a writer on spin off E20 before being encouraged to act in the series. She's the youngest ever member to be accepted at the BBC Writer's Academy and went on to pen some memorable episodes of the main programme. Doctor Who has a very poor track record when it comes to female scribes, so she could lend more than just a supporting turn. Comedy has taken over her CV in recent years, with roles in Badults and Pramface, though her dramatic credentials are solid. She was in the acclaimed Eric and Ernie and worked with gritty director Dominic Savage on recession tale Freefall. The Twelfth Doctor would certainly have a powerful unknown quantity on his hands should Kenny occupy the console room. For better or worse, it's worth mentioning her partnership with former Time Lord Paul McGann in the ludicrous Lesbian Vampire Killers!