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Since Capaldi, who currently plays the 12th Doctor, announced on Jo Whiley's Radio 2 show last night that he would be stepping down after Christmas, Piper, 34, said that it would "feel like a snub" if the successive actor was not female.

Speaking to the BBC at the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards in London, Piper said: "I've always supported the original format but I don't know where they can go from here.

"I think it would be great [to have a female Doctor] given the spirit of the world at the moment. I think it would be timely".

However, Piper has ruled out taking on the coveted role herself, adding: "I wouldn't like that responsibility, it's just too enormous, it's so much work.