David Tennant – Doctor Who’s Tenth Doctor  – has given his support to a woman taking over the controls of the Tardis after Peter Capaldi’s departure, naming Olivia Colman as his top tip to play the famous Time Lord.

Speaking about his Broadchurch co-star on Radio 4’s World at One, Tennant said: “Olivia would clearly be a magnificent choice. If you have the right people telling the right stories then it’s absolutely a possibility.”

Not only does Colman have Tennant’s backing, but the Peep Show actress is close to new Who showrunner Chris Chibnall, who is also the creator of ITV’s Broadchurch.

Tennant joked: “If the two of them have been having top secret discussions behind my back I will be furious.”

The Jessica Jones actor – who was previously voted the nation’s favourite Doctor of all time – went on to say that although fans of the show would be sad about Peter Capaldi’s departure, they would also welcome a regeneration:

Tennant’s pick for the new doctor comes after Capaldi himself put forward Harry Potter actress Frances de la Tour for the role, and Paul McGann suggested Hollywood star Tilda Swinton could play Gallifrey’s finest.

The Time Lords have spoken: the next Doctor should be a woman.