David Morrisey is bookies' favourite to take over as Doctor Who

Jul 6 2008

BOOKIES yesterday installed actor David Morrissey as favourite to take over from David Tennant as Dr Who.

The 44-year-old actor went from being a 33/1 outsider to an odds-on hot tip in just a few hours, forcing betting giants Ladbrokes and William Hill to close their books.

Punters are convinced Liverpool-born Morrissey will be the next Time Lord.

Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams said: "Some callers were asking for bets of £5000. Gambles such as these are rarely wrong." Ten million viewers last night watched Tennant in what could be his last outing as the Doctor.

The BBC says he will star in four specials but admit he has not yet signed for the next series.

Even if the popular Scot remains the Doctor, he will need a new assistant after losing his right-hand girl Donna Noble - played by Catherine Tate - in an action-packed final episode.

She was returned to her normal life after emotional scenes in the Tardis.

BOOKIE William Hill's final odds on who will take over the Tardis are: David Morrissey, 1/6 favourite; Robert Carlyle, 3/1; James McAvoy and Jason Statham, 6/1; Alan Davies, John Simm and James Nesbitt, 8/1; Daniel Radcliffe, 12/1; a female Doctor, 25/1.