TRANSVESTITE comic Eddie Izzard will play the new Dr Who when the show returns to TV screens, according to former Time Lord Tom Baker.

Beeb bosses have been keeping the name of the new Doctor under wraps for months.

But this morning actor Tom - who played the role between 1974 and 1981 - spilled the beans in an interview on Radio 5 live.

Asked what the comic would bring to the role, he said: "He has an alien quality.

"Eddie Izzard is so mysterious and strange. He seems like he has lots of secrets. You always feel Eddie Izzard knows something you don't, or has been somewhere you haven't been.

And he added: "I like the way he dresses. He could probably do his own wardrobe."

But an official BBC spokesperson brushed off the claim, saying Baker's comments were purely speculation.

Bookies favourites to land the role remain Jonathan Creek star Alan Davies and Richard E Grant.

The popular sci-fi series will return with a new script penned by Queer As Folk creator Russell T Davies in 2005.