The rumor mill seems to churn mercilessly when the search is on for a new Doctor Who - and it sounds like this guy is at the top of the list, at least at the moment.

Actor Daniel Rigby, 30, is rumored to be a leading contender to replace Matt Smith as the next Doctor following his regeneration in the upcoming Christmas special.

Rigby has an acclaimed but under-the-radar career, having won a BAFTA for his role in Eric and Ernie (beating out Matt Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch, ironically enough), and has had some supporting roles in Spooks, Ideal and Lilies.

He also has some theater experience, with roles in Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This latest report comes via Bleeding Cool, a site with a solid record of tracking the latest buzz in the Who-verse. So even if Rigby doesn’t end up getting the gig — it’s likely he’s at least in the running at the moment.

Do you think he’d be a good fit, or do you hope showrunner Steven Moffat will go in a different direction to fill the TARDIS?

(Via Bleeding Cool)