3. The Old Doctor
When Matt Smith was announced as the Eleventh Doctor he was only 26, making him the youngest Doctor yet. The oldest Doctor on his debut was the first, William Hartnell, at 55. Jon Pertewee, the third doctor, was 50, Colin Baker, the sixth, was 40, and Chris Eccleston, the ninth, was 41. Could the Doctor Who producers be set to balance out the age of Smith on his debut with the oldest Doctor yet? It would certainly be a change from the boundless energy of Smith if the Doctor were to be an older citizen, complete with the wrinkles and grey hairs befitting a Time Lord who has lived for hundreds of years. An older actor or actress could also perhaps best bring the gravitas that the role of the Doctor deserves. So if the producers are to turn to the seniors club, who could step up to the role? Well of course at the end of series eight, John Hurt was introduced as an incarnation of the Doctor, so there is already one elder statesmen ready to take on the job. Could they already be positioning Hurt for a run as the Twelth Doctor? There are few better actors in the industry than Hurt, and he would bring a new credibility and renown to Doctor Who. At 73 the question would of course be how long would he want to stay in the role for, but for however long or short his stint was, you can be sure it would an exceptional ride. Another of our finest British actors in their more senior years who has been linked with the role is the peerless Helen Mirren, aged 67. In an interview two years ago Mirren expressed an interest in taking on the title role of Doctor Who, rather than appearing as his companion. With a wit and charm that runs through her every performance, Mirren would surely quash any worries over giving the job to a woman. One final option, younger than Hurt and Mirren, but who would still be the second oldest Doctor yet, is Hugh Laurie, at 53. Incessantly funny and a superb actor, Laurie would be an outstanding choice for the Doctor.