The identity of the actor who will play the iconic TV character is due to be revealed today.

BBC Wales Head of drama Piers Wenger said: "We are so pleased to have been able to cast this person as the new Doctor.

"We believe they are going to bring something very special to the role and will make it absolutely their own.

"I just can't wait to tell everyone who it is — it has been a nail-biting Christmas trying to keep this under wraps." Speculation has been mounting as to who will take over from current Tardis traveller David Tennant since the Scottish actor announced his intention to quit the series last October.

Among the names suggested for the role were Cold Feet star James Nesbitt, and John Simm from hit time-switching TV series Life On Mars. Others have suggested the 11th Timelord could be female.

The identity of the new Doctor will finally be revealed at 5.35pm tonight on Doctor Who Confidential on BBC One.