Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi says next Doctor "might be female"

"There easily could be a female Doctor, says Capaldi, speaking with SFX to promote this years Doctor Who Christmas special, Last Christmas. I think the next time might be a female Doctor. I dont see why not. I think its good to do that.

Michelle Gomez played evil Time Lord Missy in the recent run of adventures, inheriting a role originated by Roger Delgado and Anthony Ainley.

"I think with Missy that was just a great idea, says Capaldi. You wanted to keep it a surprise and that was the best way to do it, but yes, it does suggest all kinds of interesting stuff. They have a total love/hate relationship anyway but they were both men for a long time, and still have that love-hate relationship, and we will see more of that probably. Its interesting, being able to swap like that. I think its good.

The possibility of a female Doctor first surfaced in 1980. Back then it was a piece of press-baiting mischief by Fourth Doctor Tom Baker. Now its clearly an idea whose time may have come

Check out our picture gallery for SFX's picks for potential female Doctors. Who would you choose?

You can read the full interview with Peter Capaldi in SFX 256, on sale Wednesday 10 December.

The Doctor Who Christmas special "Last Christmas" is on BBC One on Christmas Day. Read more about it here.

Equally ace at drama and comedy, she'd bring serious gumption to the TARDIS.

The Kumars star has the comedy chops to give us a brilliantly quirky Time Lady.

Just imagine her facing down Davros, specs perched on her nose, Barbara Good style...

Let's face it, she's staked a claim on every other SF franchise...

One of the great talents of the Brit acting fraternity, she'd give us a dark and intriguing Doctor.

Hot again thanks to The Fall, she'd bring all her X-Files expertise to battling threats in time and space...