Updated: June 02, 2013, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Contenders for Doctor Who
Emma Watson: She built her name in a famous franchise, and has proven her post-Harry Potter acting ability. Watson could make a great first female Doctor? Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP
Lee Pace: From his quirky turn in Pushing Daisies to big screen outings in the Hobbit series, Pace is another actor on the up and ready for big things. Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images
Kit Harington: As the Game of Thrones' Jon Snow, Harrington has shown a mysterious and vulnerable side we associate with the role of Doctor Who. Tim Whitby / Getty Images