EastEnders star Rakhee Thakrar has responded to the reports that she has been cast as the new companion in Doctor Who.

The actress is best known for playing Shabnam Masood in EastEnders. She departed BBC One’s long-running soap opera in January after two years in the role.

Rumours have circulated since February that Thakrar will be joining the Doctor Who cast in next year’s Season 10, replacing Jenna Coleman’s Clara.

Asked about the rumours by Leicester Mercury More magazine, Thakrar commented: “My way of looking at everything is just be here and see what happens. There’s such a vast range of projects and roles, that I’m open to see what comes.”

> Buy the complete Season 9 box set on DVD on Amazon.

> Buy the complete Season 9 box set on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Season 10 is expected to begin filming next month and will air on BBC One in spring 2017.

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

Would you like Rakhee Thakrar to be the new companion? Let us know below…