The stars in the running to replace Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor

Olly Alexander and Michaela Coel are among the contenders to be the next Doctor Who after Jodie Whittaker announced she is leaving the role.

Here is a look at some of the stars who have been linked with the part.

– Olly Alexander

The Years and Years singer has been named bookmaker Coral’s favourite to play the Time Lord, with odds of 4/1.

Alexander, 31, has enjoyed a breakthrough year in which he launched an acting career with a starring role in Channel 4’s hit drama It’s A Sin.

However, his manager recently released a statement dismissing reports, which said: “Even though Olly is often contacted by Cybermen, I’m afraid I have to exterminate this speculation.”

– Michaela Coel

Coral is offering odds of 8/1 for Coel to take up the part.

The London-born star is best known for the hit BBC series I May Destroy You, which she created, co-directed and starred in.

She also created the Bafta-winning comedy Chewing Gum for E4, which was based on her play, Chewing Gum Dreams.

Coel, who is also a poet, has starred in the BBC and Netflix thriller Black Earth Rising.

– Richard Ayoade

The IT Crowd star Richard Ayoade has also been linked with the role.

The actor, television presenter, filmmaker and comedian is 12/1 to land the part, according to Coral.

The 44-year-old is known for appearing in programmes including The Crystal Maze, Travel Man and Gadget Man.

He has also directed the films Submarine and The Double.

– Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge has also been named among the frontrunners for the part, with Coral offering odds of 25/1.

Waller-Bridge was previously linked with the role prior to Whittaker being announced as the first female Doctor but she dismissed the speculation at the time.

However, Waller-Bridge, 36, reportedly did say that it would be “cool” to play the part.

– Kris Marshall

Media reports have also tipped My Family and Death In Paradise star Kris Marshall for the role.

The actor, 48, was also linked with the job in 2017 after Peter Capaldi left the programme.

He has odds of 6/1.

– David Harewood

Homeland actor David Harewood, 55, could also be in the frame to land the part.

Speculation in the media has touted the Birmingham-born star as a potential successor to Whittaker.