It's A Sin actor Omari Douglas has reportedly become the favourite to take over as The Doctor on Doctor Who.

The iconic role becomes vacant late next year when Jodie Whittaker steps down following the broadcast of three new specials - a moment that will also mark Russell T Davies's return as showrunner.

Davies garnered much acclaim for his work writing It's A Sin and according to The Sun, he is keen to bring 27-year-old actor Douglas with him to Who.

"Omari is the perfect candidate on so many levels, including the fact that the BBC said they'd prefer the Doctor to be played by a non-white actor," a source told the newspaper.

"He has also struck up the kind of close working relationship with Russell that helped Christopher [Eccleston] and David [Tennant] get the sought after role.

"And although he's not quite a household name yet, he's proved he's a great actor with a memorable performance in It's A Sin."

The BBC has refused to comment on the story, while some bookmakers have now stopped taking bets on Douglas getting the role.