Doctor Who writer Neil Gaiman has revealed who he thinks should play the next Doctor.

Peter Capaldi announced last month that he will be departing the show in this year’s Christmas special.

The Thirteenth Doctor will make their debut in the festive episode, ahead of Chris Chibnall’s first season as new showrunner in autumn 2018.

Gaiman has previously written two Doctor Who episodes; ‘The Doctor’s Wife’ in 2011 and ‘Nightmare in Silver’ in 2013.

The author told Radio 5Live: “Needless to say I’d love to see a woman Doctor.”

He explained that “the time is absolutely right” for a female Time Lord.

His recommendations included The X-Files icon Gillian Anderson, Prime Suspect star Helen Mirren and Bake Off host Sue Perkins.

Anderson will next be seen on screen in the upcoming adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s bestselling novel American Gods.

Gaiman commented: “I don’t think there’s anything Gillian can’t do.”

He added: “If we have to go for an older Doctor it would be Helen Mirren.”

Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat revealed last week that Peter Capaldi “came close to staying” for a fourth season.

12 new Doctor Who episodes have been filming in Cardiff since June 2016, with Pearl Mackie and Matt Lucas joining Capaldi as the Doctor’s latest companions, Bill Potts and Nardole.

Here’s everything we know so far about Season 10.

Doctor Who returns on Saturday 15 April on BBC One.

Who do you think should replace Peter Capaldi? Let us know below…