Doctor Who: 10 Actresses Who Could Replace Jenna Coleman
5. Niamh McGrady
Why she should be next: She may be less well-known than other actresses on this list, but Niamh McGrady could be one to watch in the future. Shes best known for playing PC Danielle Ferrington in the BBC serial killer drama The Fall, where she manages to hold her own against science fiction royalty in the form of Gillian Anderson. In fact, she has some good chemistry with Anderson, so much so that you want to see more scenes of them working together. Theres the potential basis for a strong Doctor/companion relationship there, with Capaldi instead of Anderson, and this basis could be a springboard for some fantastic stories over the next couple of series of Doctor Who. She manages to make Ferrington, a supporting character, seem resourceful, practical and kind, always having the best interests of the other characters at heart. Shes also hugely likeable and despite the sense of her many different competencies, she never ceases to be relatable. These are all useful characteristics for someone playing the companion to have, as shell be able to believably play someone who can go head to head with Daleks and Cybermen, all while acting as the audience cipher, which the companion classically is. Given her performance in The Fall, theres little doubt she could pull all these off. Why she shouldnt be: Its a repeated reason but true nonetheless. Like others on this list, she wasnt the standout from the show shes most famous for. Instead, its Anderson and Dornan who take most of the plaudits. Again, this isnt raising doubts about her ability, but shes still an unknown quantity when it comes to taking on a lead role. In addition to that, shes also quite busy as a performer. She has an ongoing role on hospital drama Holby City and The Fall has potential to go on to Series 3, which she would probably be a key part of. This means she might not have the time for Doctor Who in her busy schedule.
