New Doctor Who Star Confirmed to Be Male

All those questions about a female Doctor replacing Matt Smith as the next star of the BBC's long-running sci-fi drama Doctor Who seem to have fallen by the wayside. Photographer Rankin appears to have confirmed the gender of the 12th Doctor in Doctor Who as male. "Just photographed the next Dr Who for tonight's announcement," Rankin tweeted. "Let me know what you think of the photo? He's going to be an ace Dr." Most fans had expected a male Doctor, although a female had been lobbied for by certain corners of the Who fandom. Similarly, there had been some fans who hoped for a non-white Doctor, or a redhead, but most rumors so far seem to revolve around Peter Capaldi, who fits neither description. Smith will depart the show in the Christmas Special later this year. The identity of his replacement will be revealed in a TV special set to air in about two hours.