A new Timelord for 'Doctor Who'?

LONDON, March 23 (UPI) -- If David Tennant chooses to leave "Doctor Who" the ring may quickly fill with hats from actors interested in playing the Timelord in the British TV series.

Matt Lucas, the 33-year-old gay actor who plays Vicky Pollard in "Little Britain," would take the roll in a heart beat, his partner, Kevin McGee, told the Sun newspaper in London.

"Matt would love to be in Doctor Who," McGee said. "I can see him playing the part."

Other actors who might be interested, the newspaper said Friday, include Robert Carlyle of "The Full Monty" fame, John Simms of "Life On Mars" and David Morrissey of "Blackpool."

It's thought Tennant may opt out of "Doctor Who" because of the film offers he's received since his turn in the last Harry Potter movie. But he isn't saying yet what his future holds.

"From the moment I accepted this job, everyone said, 'When are you leaving?'" Tennant said.

One new face for the new season that begins March 31 is Martha Jones, who replaces Billie Piper as the doctor's sidekick.