Is Rory Kinnear the new Dr Who?

Rory Kinnear is favourite to take on the role of Dr Who, according to bookmakers. Photo / Supplied

Betting on the identity of the next Dr Who has been suspended by a bookmaker after reports that Rory Kinnear has been offered the role.

Kinnear, son of the character actor Roy Kinnear, was offered the job by show bosses who are awaiting his response, it was claimed.

Kinnear, 35, who has played the spy Tanner in the last two James Bond films Skyfall and Quantum of Solace, is apparently up for the role after Matt Smith announced he was turning his back on the Tardis.

UK betting agency Ladbrokes said they were no longer taking bets on Smith's replacement after Kinnear was backed as 2/1 favourite after the media reports.

Kinnear, who has also appeared in several television series, had previously only been the third in the betting at 5/1, leaving Ben Daniels as the 2/1 favourite before the gamble began.

Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: "All bets are now off when it comes to the identity of the next Dr Who.

"Kinnear had always been a popular punt but after a flurry of activity which pushed him into favouritism we closed the book."

The BBC refused to comment about Kinnear becoming the next time lord but a source said: "It is just pure speculation.

"We are still at the start of the casting process.

"By late autumn [characters] should have been cast in their roles."

Smith, 30, will bow out in the Christmas special.

He has been in the role since 2010 and said it had been "an honour" to play the part.

- PAA