Helen Mirren to Be TV's Next DOCTOR WHO?

Is Dame Helen Mirren poised to be the first female portrayer of the iconic sci-fi character DOCTOR WHO? Despite persistant reports in the media recently, the actress insists the stories are false.

According to Digitalspy.com, the 67-year-old appeared on ITV's talk show Daybreak and maintained, "I'm not going to be the first female Doctor Who - no, no, no," adding, "I absolutely wouldn't contemplate that."

Yet the Oscar winner did share her opinion on who should be cast in the role as the series' 12th Doctor. "I do think it's well over-time to have a female Doctor Who," she said. "I think a gay, black female Doctor Who would be the best of all."

DOCTOR WHO will return to the UK's BBC One to celebrate its 50th anniversary special on Saturday, November 23.

Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy-winning actress Mirren's Broadway credits include the revival of Dance of Death in 2001 A Month in the Country in 1995, for both of which she was nominated for Best Actress in a Play at the Tony Awards.

Mirren is perhaps best known for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in "The Queen" (2006). This performance earned Mirren 26 major awards, including the Oscar for Best Featured Actress. West End credits include Collected Stories and Orpheus Descending. She can most recently be seen in "Hitchcock," opposite Anthony Hopkins.