Ben Daniels has confirmed that he “was approached” to play the part of the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who.

Back in June the actor emerged as an early favourite to be chosen as Matt Smith’s successor in the role and he has told Digital Spy that the speculation was “more than rumour”.

“The BBC asked me if it was something I’d be interested in,” he said. “But I also knew from the outset there was another name ahead of my own that they were very interested in.”

He continued: “After the initial conversation I had with them it was just a waiting game. I was consumed by the idea – often I’d call my agent and make them call Doctor Who and ask if it’d gone away as a possibility. Then about two weeks before that live reveal event I was told the shortlist had got shorter. After that, communications went into lock down.”

Although ultimately losing out on the iconic part, the Cutting It star revealed he’s looking forward to Peter Capaldi’s “completely unique” interpretation of the Time Lord. “I knew at the outset they wanted to cast someone older and I think it’s great to shake it up,” he revealed. “Peter’s fantastic. He’s an amazing actor and I can’t wait to see what he does.”

Would you have been happy with Daniels as the choice of our Time Lord? Let us know…