Lucky 13: With Peter Capaldi '˜leaving', could next Doctor Who be a woman?

Lara Pulver: The Spooks actress is a bookies' choice to become the 13th Doctor Who

There is speculation that the Scottish actor will depart in 2017 at the same time as current showrunner Steven Moffat, to allow incoming chief Chris Chibnall to choose his own Doctor.

Bookies are predicting that his replacement - the 13th Doctor - could be the first female to command the Tardis, with Spooks and Sherlock actress Lara Pulver and former Coronation Street star Suranne Jones tipped.

Game of Thrones star Richard Madden and - from left of field - comedian Richard Ayoade are currently favourites, says Betfair.

The Mirror quoted an unnamed BBC source, who said: “Bosses are already discussing a fresh start when Steven leaves.

“They’ve been happy with what Peter has brought to the role but some think it might make sense to give Chris his own choice of actor to play the Doctor.

“They hope he will be able to find someone who can have the same impact as Matt Smith did when Steven Moffat kicked off his run as executive producer.”

The departure of the Doctor at the same time as the showrunner would mirror what happened with Russell T Davies who departed with 10th Doctor David Tennant.

A BBC spokeswoman declined to discuss Capaldi’s contract but confirmed he was signed up for the duration of series 10.

Broadchurch creator Chibnall was announced as head writer and executive producer on Saturday following Moffat’s decision to step down after six years at the helm.

A Doctor Who Christmas special will air later this year, while series 10, Moffat’s last, is scheduled to be broadcast in 2017, with a new companion on board to replace Jenna Coleman.

Moffat said of his departure: “Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m just starting work on the scripts for season 10, but the fact is my timey-wimey is running out.

“While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the Tardis warm for him.

“It took a lot of gin and tonic to talk him into this, but I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of British television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into the future.”

He joked: “At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.”

Chibnal paid tribute to Moffat, saying: “He’s been a dazzling and daring showrunner, and hearing his plans and stories for 2017, it’s clear he’ll be going out with a bang. Just to make my life difficult.”