Hugh Grant wanted for Doctor Who

Hugh Grant is in negotiations to star in 'Doctor Who'.

Jodie Whittaker is set to depart the lead role later this year, and with Russel T. Davies taking charge of the programme again ahead of its 60th anniversary next year, he's said to be keen to bring the 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' actor into the TARDIS to "bring a fresh feel" to the role.

A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "He offers many attributes – great actor, British, award-winning, Hollywood A-lister and excellent at comedy. Conversations are in progress.”

Russell is said to have big plans for the series and wants to establish a multiverse for various spin-off projects.

The insider added: “The vision is that the show can be a Marvel-like product, building franchises around the Doctor and other key characters in his many lives.”

And with Sony Pictures TV, who own a majority stake in Wolf Studios, who make the show, on board for the plans, as well as BBC Worldwide commerical, it's hoped any spin-offs will be huge global successes.

The source said: “With the utmost respect to the BBC, in the past attempts like Torchwood were made on a very limited budget in locations around Wales. Now the world is Russell’s oyster.”

Executive producer Matt Strevens recently teased Jodie's regeneration episode will be "massive".

He said: "When they approached Chris [Chibnall], saying: 'We'd love you to do one more – we know the production schedule's really tight, but what do you think about doing a special for the centenary of the BBC?', it was a no-brainer.'

"The final story is a massive, feature-length epic – it was huge to shoot – with lots of surprises for fans of all ages. Jodie gets a really good send-off. I think it will push everybody's buttons."