Twin Tardis? Matt Smith backs Rhys Ifans as next Dr Who amid Michael Sheen speculation

Matt Smith has backed Rhys Ifans to take over from Jodie Whittaker as Dr Who, amid speculation the next Time Lord could be Michael Sheen.

Smith, who played the Eleventh Doctor, suggested Rhys Ifans for the role in interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote Edgar Wright’s new film project Last Night in Soho.

This comes amid odds shortening on Michael Sheen being unveiled as the Fourteenth Doctor on the BBC’s long-running science fiction series, setting up a tantalising battle between the Welshmen.

When asked by The Hollywood Reporter who should take over from Jodie Whittaker, Matt Smith said: “You know who I think would be a brilliant Doctor Who … Rhys Ifans.

“Rhys would be sort of cool. I don’t know if we’ve had a Welshman yet. I’m backing Rhys!”

Since the Jodie Whittaker announced she would step down from the role after three series debate has raged over who fans would like to see next step into the Tardis.

Names such as It’s A Sin’s Olly Alexander, I May Destroy You creator Michaela Coel and The IT Crowd’s Richard Ayoade are some of the bookies’ favourites.

‘Bookmaker’ 

However, this week leading bookmaker Boyle Sports reduced the odds on Good Omens star Sheen stepping into the role of the long running TV series which is filmed in Cardiff.

Sarah Kinsella, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: “Jodie Whittaker became the first female to play the Time Lord when she was named as the thirteenth Doctor Who in 2017, but confirmed she is quitting the role after the next series airs next year.

“Support has arrived for numerous candidates to replace her but this week it arrived for Michael Sheen who is now 8/1 from 14/1.”

The actor recently topped a poll run by the Radio Times on who people would like to see as the next telly Timelord.

The poll attracted 10,000 votes with Sheen topping the poll with 20% of the vote.