Matt Smith exit prompts Doctor Who speculation

The news that Matt Smith is to leave his role in Doctor Who at the end of 2013 has already prompted speculation on the identity of his replacement.

A host of names have been suggested in Sunday's papers, among them Idris Elba, Dame Helen Mirren and John Hurt. Hurt was introduced as 'The Doctor' at the end of the last series and returns in November's 50th anniversary episode.

Elba, Hurt and Dame Helen are among the many names mentioned in Sunday's papers

"Somewhere out there... is someone who's about to become the Doctor," said executive producer Steven Moffat. It has been suggested that the role may go to a black actor for the first time, with Homeland's David Harewood and former rapper Ashley Walters among those mentioned alongside Elba.