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Emma Watson to join Doctor Who?

Feb 7, 2012, 8:00 GMT

Emma Watson

Emma Watson is the fans' favourite to replace Karen Gillan on 'Doctor Who'.

With the redhead actress set to depart her current role as the Time Lord's assistant Amy Pond later this year, viewers of the BBC One sci-fi show are keen to see the 'Harry Potter' star to join Matt Smith - who portrays the Doctor - in the TARDIS.

In a poll of more than 5,000 'Doctor Who' fans undertaken by entertainment and games website IGN.com, Emma came out on top with over a quarter of the total votes, beating the likes of US actress Zooey Deschanel - who landed in second place - and third-ranking Anna Friel.

Meanwhile, singer Pixie Lott came in fourth place, while 'Game of Thrones' star Emilia Clarke rounded off the top five potential TARDIS candidates.

Chris Tilly, entertainment editor at IGN.com, said: 'Emma is the overwhelming favourite with viewers - as Hermione Granger she empowered super-smart girls all over the world and she also showed impressive action credentials in the later 'Harry Potter' movies.

'Fans really want to see her make the switch from magic to time travel. With Karen Gillan leaving, this will be one of the most hotly-contested roles in TV.'

Karen has previously admitted she is keen for her alter-ego to be killed off so she can be remembered as a 'good' companion to the time-travelling Doctor.

She recently said: 'Death would be an option. I don't want Amy to pop up again every so often, because for me it would take away from the big, emotional goodbye. Once she's gone, she's gone. I want people to remember the Amy Pond era as a good one.'