Who Will Be Doctor Who’s New Companion?

With Jenna Coleman’s departure from Doctor Who now common knowledge, rumors have begun to fly about who will be the Doctor’s next companion. But before we really get into speculation mode, it should be pointed out that if there’s one thing Doctor Who’s showrunners have been able to do consistently, it’s surprising casting choices.

For some reason, a lot of speculation has centered on actors from Game of Thrones, with Maisie Williams and Rose Leslie appearing near the top of the list for BT and, perhaps more credibly, for BBC Newsbeat. This is probably based on the fact that Maisie will be making an appearance in the new season, leading many people to begin making connections between the two shows. The likelihood of a Game of Thrones character being absorbed into Doctor Who is increased by the fact that Game of Thrones uses a wealth of British actors. This is a pool deep in talent, but small in numbers (compared to America), so there is a real chance that it might happen.

Having said that, there are some other very strong contenders among actors who are already part of the Doctor Who canon, and the rising British stars who have historically been preferred by the show. I’ve decided to go out on a limb and identify my top three picks. I do this in the full expectation of being completely blindsided (again) by Doctor Who’s casting process.

1. Frank Skinner

Frank Skinner tops my list for obvious reasons. Appearing as a train engineer in “Mummy on the Orient Express,” Skinner’s character was actually invited by The Doctor to travel along with him. Skinner, to what he described as his “eternal regret” was forced by the script to refuse. Also, the constant discussion among Doctor Who fans about a possible gender bender might prompt the studio to break gender roles with a sole male companion rather than a female doctor. Frank’s performance in the episode was a Doctor Who fan favorite, so his return to the canon would be a popular choice.

2. Michelle Keegan

Michelle Keegan is mainly on this list because the bookies are giving her very good odds at 4-1. Because of this, Keegan is at the top of lists from BT and others. Doctor Who has a tendency to pick rising stars over established names, and Michelle fits perfectly into that category, with her role in British show Army Girl bringing her increasing attention.

3. Ingrid Oliver

I must admit that the inclusion of Ingird Oliver is mainly wishful thinking. Ingrid appeared as Osgood in the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special, complete with Tom Baker tribute scarf and a raft of endearing mannerisms. The fact that she is set to come back to life at some time in the new series adds fuel to the speculation that she might be back as a companion.

Of course, there’s a strong likelihood Doctor Who will prove us all dead wrong. With Steven Moffat set to continue for the next series, we can expect more of the same when it comes to casting, and “more of the same,” with Moffatt, generally means big surprises.

[Image via Getty Images/Stuart C Wilson]