Actors who almost played The Doctor - Throughout the years, a treasure trove of incredible actors have starred in 'Doctor Who'. But who hasn't? Here's a quick who's who of actors that missed out on the part.

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Geoffrey Bayldon - Geoffrey Bayldon turned down the role of the first Doctor. He went on to play the character in a number of different radio plays.

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Alan Webb - According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Alan Webb was also offered the role, but turned it down. He went on to find success on stage and in the cinema.

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Cyril Cusack - Cyril Cusack also turned down the opportunity. He won over audiences in ‘Fahrenheit 451’ and ‘1984’.

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Leslie French - Leslie French was another act that was considered for the role. He went on to star in the ‘Doctor Who’ serial ‘Silver Nemesis’. The role of the First Doctor was passed to William Hartnell.

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Brian Blessed - Brian Blessed told the Telegraph that he turned down the role of the Second Doctor. He went on to play King Yrcanos in the serial ‘The Trial of a Time Lord’.

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Sir Michael Hordern - Sir Michael Hordern was also considered. However he apparently didn’t want to commit to the long-running show.

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Valentine Dyall - Valentine Dyall was also considered. He went on to star in several ‘Doctor Who’ stories as the Black Guardian.

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Peter Cushing - According to Tardis Wikia, the role was also offered to Peter Cushing, but he turned it down. However, he did star in ‘Doctor Who’ films, ‘Dr. Who and the Daleks’ and ‘Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.’.

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Ron Moody - Producers sought after Ron Moody for the Third Doctor, following his hit performance in ‘Oliver!’. However, Moody turned it down, something he’s said to regret.

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Graham Crowden - Graham Crowden turned down the role of The Fourth Doctor. However, he went on to star in the serial, ‘The Horns of Nimon’.

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Michael Bentine - Michael Bentine was also approached, until producers apparently thought he was looking for a bit too much influence over the script.

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Bernard Cribbins - According to Tardis Wikia, Bernard Cribbins was also considered, but he didn’t end up getting the role. He returned as Wilfred Mott, who accompanied the Tenth Doctor.

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Fulton Mackay - Fulton Mackay was yet another actor that was considered, but didn’t get the role. He ended up playing Dr. Quinn in 'Doctor Who and the Silurians’.

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Richard Hearne - Richard Hearne was interviewed for the role. However, he wanted to play the part in the role of his ‘Mr Pastry’ character. This didn’t sit well with producer Barry Letts.

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Jim Dale - ‘Carry On’ actor Jim Dale was also considered, but the role ended up with Tom Baker.

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Richard Griffiths - After Tom Baker left the show, producers eyed up Richard Griffiths. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for the ‘Harry Potter’ star.

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Dermot Crowley - Dermot Crowley was another actor who auditioned for the role but missed out.

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Andrew Sachs - Andrew Sachs turned down the role. He told the Mirror “it was one of his sad tales of failure in life”.

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Dawn French - Show creator Sydney Newman suggested a woman take over the role. Dawn French (pictured), Joanna Lumley, and Frances de la Tour were among those suggested. However, according to the Telegraph, the BBC rejected the idea.

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Richard Griffiths - Richard Griffiths was once again considered by producers. Ultimately though, the actor missed out on the opportunity.

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Peter Cook - Show producer Verity Lambert wanted Peter Cook (pictured) for the role. The actor wasn’t too interested though, and ultimately declined the opportunity.

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Rowan Atkinson - Plenty of big names were interested in playing the Doctor in the 1996 TV movie. They included Rowan Atkinson (pictured) and Jim Broadbent.

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Billy Connolly - Billy Connolly told The Scotsman that he was considered for the part, but he unfortunately missed out.

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Peter Capaldi - Peter Capaldi was also asked to audition. Entertainment Weekly reports that Capaldi didn't think he’d get it, so he skipped on it.

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Hugh Grant - According to Contact Music, Hugh Grant turned down a chance to play the Ninth Doctor.  

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Russell Tovey - Russell Tovey aimed to become the Eleventh Doctor, according to Radio Times. However, the actor decided not to chase the role.

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Ben Daniels - Ben Daniels told Digital Spy that he had a chance at becoming the Twelfth Doctor, but it didn’t work out in the end.

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Helen Mirren - Helen Mirren told the Daily Star that she’d like to play the Twelfth Doctor. Despite getting a lot of press, the casting never happened.

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