Breaking news: BBC has just announced who will succeed David Tennant and portray the 11th incarnation of The Doctor. And this must be a huge surprise for everyone that’s followed the rumour mill surrounding the casting. Young actor Matt Smith was today named as the next in a long line of immensely talented actors. At 26, Matt Smith is the youngest ever actor to be cast as The Doctor, three years younger than Peter Davison was when he first portrayed The Fifth Doctor.

Having already been named a face to watch by thisislondon.co.uk, Smith is one of the most promising young British actors today. Already making success with his stage work, he has figured in both film and television, perhaps most notably against former Who companion Billie Piper in The Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

With one of the most talented writers (Steven Moffat), and now one of the most talented actors, the fifth series of Doctor Who since its regeneration in 2005, this promises to be a very funny and exciting time to be a Who fan.

In preparation for the upcoming announcement, here’s my list of candidates for the next Doctor. (Note: This is just purely speculation and/or wishful thinking.) In no particular order:

Bill Nighy. An excellent actor with an established track-record. With the trend having been to cast increasingly younger actors as The Doctor, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’d go to the opposite end this time. Steven Moffat even admitted that he wanted to see an older, grandfatherly figure as The Doctor.

Brian Cox. Already a long list of American movies behind him. Always delivers solid believable characters. Might just happen to be a bit too established for a show such as Doctor Who.

Alan Rickman. Again, perhaps too big a name. But after one moody and one angry Doctor, I think it’s time for one sarcastic Doctor.

Richard E. Grant. Since Paul McGann played the eigth Doctor, I’m now hoping that they’ll complete the Withnail and I actor hijacking by casting this wonderful actor. Huge prescence and fantastic talent — would be a perfect Doctor, in my opinion.

Matthew Macfadyen. Caught my eye in his role as Tom Quinn in Spooks. Recently saw him in Pride and Prejudice, wich made me even more concvinced he’d make an excellent Doctor.

So, mere hours to go until the mystery is revealed. Until then, who are your favorite(s) for the role of the 11th Doctor?