Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge won't become the first female Doctor in Doctor Who

Update post Baftas: Fleabag actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge is not set to play the Doctor in iconic series Doctor Who despite several reports linking her with the role.

The 31-year-old Londoner was tipped to take on the role when current Time Lord Peter Capaldi, 59, leaves during this year's Christmas special, having previously won plaudits for her role in BBC Three comedy Fleabag. However, after picking up a Bafta for best performance in comedy programme for Fleabag, Waller-Bridge denied the Time Lord rumours: "I am not going to be the first female Doctor, not that I know of."

Waller-Bridge did however confirm that she is set to appear in the new Star Wars Han Solo spin-off film, adding: "As far as I know, I am in the Star Wars film, yes."

Capaldi announced that he would be stepping down as the Twelfth Doctor earlier this year.

Explaining the reason for his decision to quit after 40 episodes, he said: "I've never done anything for any length of time.

"Even [political comedy] The Thick of It was only 20 episodes over four years. I'll have done 40 episodes of Doctor Who.

"I don't think if I stayed on I'd be able to think of another way to say, 'This could be the end of civilisation as we know it'.

"I've always gone from one job to the other and seen what was around the corner and I want to get back to that," he continues to Radio Times.

"I don't think if I stayed on I'd be able to think of another way to say, 'This could be the end of civilisation as we know it'."

And, revealing he's keen to try his hand at other acting jobs, he added: 'I've always gone from one job to the other and seen what was around the corner and I want to get back to that.'

Current Doctor's Companion Bill Potts, played by Pearl Mackie, is also expected to be replaced when Capaldi leaves.