Tom Baker has offered a word of advice to the actor chosen as the next Time Lord, telling them to "be yourself and then some".
The 92-year-old actor, who portrayed the Fourth Doctor between 1974 and 1981, reflected on the experience of taking on the famous role, describing it as "magical".
Speaking to Radio Times magazine, he said: "Well, I’m not going to tell them how to do it. That would give the game away, wouldn’t it? Haha!
"Just be yourself. Be yourself and then some. You’re the Doctor.
"And there’s nothing more magical than playing someone not human, who is from Gallifrey, in the constellation of Kasterborous, with two hearts, a sonic screwdriver, and relying on their own wits."
Baker further characterised the Time Lord as "the best of Humanity, wrapped into one being, commenting on Humanity, all whilst eating jelly babies".
His remarks come as viewers await updates regarding the future of Doctor Who following the departure of showrunner Russell T Davies earlier this year, a move that coincided with the BBC opening up the programme to a competitive tender process.
Last week, Russell suggested that cameras could start rolling again significantly sooner than expected.
He told BBC Radio 4's The Media Show: "It's literally out for tender now. They've just announced there's a CBeebies version coming out in 2027, a Doctor Who cartoon.
"And then it's out for tender, I'm not part of this process, but I think they choose from those tenders by something like October 10, it's any day now.
"That will be a long process, I think. I'd give it another six months after that. So, I think, I'm guessing, you’ll start to see production with a brand-new Doctor, a brand-new companion, summer next year. So that's not that far away really."
The BBC previously indicated that a final resolution on the tendering contract could be reached by spring 2027, with the new run targeted for broadcast in 2028/29.
In a statement, the broadcaster noted: "We are commissioning a new flagship series of Doctor Who.
"The series should feel contemporary, and creatively ambitious, whilst remaining true to the values and characteristics that have made Doctor Who a beloved series across generations."
Bidding companies have been encouraged to "innovate and surprise" while striking a balance between "high concept science fiction" and "strong emotional narratives".
The BBC urged prospective producers to be "brave".
It stated: "We are seeking a creative vision that embraces the breadth of what Doctor Who can be and could be.
"Doctor Who is a show that has sparked conversation, taken risks and inspired audiences for decades and we are looking for this series to continue that tradition.
"Be brave, have fun and we look forward to hearing from you."
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