London, December 19 : Catherine Zeta Jones may run as the top contender to bag the role of `Doctor Who' in the next series, according to the writer behind the Brit sci-fi TV programme.

Executive producer Russell T Davies has revealed that the idea of having a female Doctor Who would be a welcoming one and that the Swansea born Oscar-winner could be perfect for the role, having

"Catherine Zeta Jones would be great," the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

The actress was said to have an added advantage of her Welsh heritage since the show had been filmed in Cardiff while Davies himself was a Welsh.

Having Catherine take over the role of The Doctor, presently played by David Tennant, would mark a chapter in television history since women had been reduced in importance to the role of the protagonist's companion since the BBC production began in 1963.

However, speaking of actors waiting in line for the role, Davies added: "Whoever becomes the Doctor has to take on a whole life, it''s not just taking part in a TV show. It''s a lot of soul-searching to do."

The show, which tells the adventures of a mysterious alien time-traveller known as "the Doctor" who travels in his space and time-ship, has been listed in Guinness World Records as the longest-running sci-fi television show in the world and forms an important part of Brit popular culture. (ANI)