Doctor Who bosses 'considering a range of radical options' to improve ratings

Doctor Who bosses are "considering a range of radical options" to improve ratings following slump in viewing figures.

The BBC sci-fi favourite - which currently stars Jodie Whittaker as the titular Time Lord - pulled in an audience of 3.4million for the New Year's special, the lowest ever since 2005.

A TV insider told The Sun: "The new team are considering a range of radical options in a bid to revive the flagging fortunes of a programme which is adored by millions around the world."

The source went on to claim that this could see the BBC "put space" between Jodie's exit from the role and the reveal of her successor, who is yet to be announced.

The source added: "That could see them take the decision to put space between Jodie’s time in the Tardis and that of her successor. Which means she may not be seen regenerating into the next doctor. She has already wrapped filming on this year’s special episodes, and a new Time Lord has yet to be revealed."

Speculation over who will replace Jodie as the Time Lord has built since her exit from the show was announced, with Years & Years singer Olly Alexander and his 'It's a Sin' co-star Omari Douglas hotly rumoured to be taking on the iconic role, but the BBC has remained tight-lipped on who the new star will be.

A spokeswoman for the show said: "There are lots of exciting plans in store but viewers are just going to have to wait and see."