At the recent Doctor Who convention in Cardiff, showrunner Steven Moffat told fans that a female Doctor was “entirely possible.” Now, rumours are floating around the internet that a Sherlock favourite is to step into the TARDIS as the first female Doctor!

Lara Pulver, who played Irene Adler in the second series of Sherlock, is hotly tipped to take over from Matt Smith. Earlier in the year, the actress spoke about how much she would love to appear in the cult sci-fi show. The Express Reports:

The show’s bosses are planning to change the character’s gender after half a century, with Sherlock star Lara Pulver,31, pictured, being tipped among the front runners for the role. Insiders say a dramatic twist will see current Time Lord Matt Smith, 29, regenerate into a new female character when next year’s series reaches its dramatic climax.

“The 50th anniversary series will end with a very big twist,” we’re told. “The Doctor becoming a woman will give the show a new lease of life.”

Hypable would advise putting this firmly into the rumour category for now. After all, it was The Express that started the rumour of Benedict Cumberbatch playing the Master – which turned out to be completely made up. Either way, we’ll let you know if the rumour is confirmed or denied.

Would you like to see Lara Pulver take on the role? Who do you think would make a great female Doctor?