The actor announced in October he would be stepping down from the role after three years as the time traveller, passing the baton to newcomer Matt Smith.

But Tennant is reportedly hoping to maintain his ties to the cult sci-fi series for a little longer, by starring in a movie version of the longrunning hit.

A source tells the Daily Express, "The script is still in the early stages but David wants to be in the film. There have already been discussions and David needs to feel the story is right but right now things are looking very positive.

"He understandably wants to go off and do different roles but he still loves Doctor Who. If the film takes off and there's demand for more, he can continue to play the Doctor occasionally without having the pressure of the relentless schedule that the TV series demands."