Is Frank odds-on to be the new Doctor?

Could a Crawley teenager be the next Doctor Who?
Frank Milham, 17, was spotted by Paul Binfield from Paddy Power at a recent production  of Oliver! pictured. Picture: Barry HolderFrank Milham, 17, was spotted by Paul Binfield from Paddy Power at a recent production  of Oliver! pictured. Picture: Barry Holder
Frank Milham, 17, was spotted by Paul Binfield from Paddy Power at a recent production of Oliver! pictured. Picture: Barry Holder

A bookmaker has placed odds of 33 to 1 on Hazelwick student, Frank Milham being the next Time Lord following news of Peter Capaldi stepping down after four years in the popular sci-fi series.

Others in line for the top job include Kris Marshall, best known for his role in My Family, Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton, and Game of Thrones star Richard Madden.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The teenager was spotted by Paul Binfield from Paddy Power at a recent production of Oliver! and was left ‘impressed’ with the youngster’s performance as the Artful Dodger.

The 17-year-old is in his final year of A-levels at Hazelwick. Picture: Barry HolderThe 17-year-old is in his final year of A-levels at Hazelwick. Picture: Barry Holder
The 17-year-old is in his final year of A-levels at Hazelwick. Picture: Barry Holder

The 17-year-old is in his final year of A-levels at the school in Hazelwick Mill Lane.

He said: “To say it is a bit of a shock that Paddy Power has me alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Carlyle in the betting would be a massive understatement. I’m also too young to bet and have never been near a betting shop – I’m not sure where this interest has come from.

“Hazelwick has a fantastic drama programme, the teachers are amazing, and there have been several former pupils that have gone on to forge a career in theatre. But it is very early days for me.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Franks dad, Steve Milham, praised the ‘phenomenal’ teachers at the school.

The 17-year-old is in his final year of A-levels at Hazelwick. Picture: Barry HolderThe 17-year-old is in his final year of A-levels at Hazelwick. Picture: Barry Holder
The 17-year-old is in his final year of A-levels at Hazelwick. Picture: Barry Holder

He said: “They are a brilliant lot of teachers and Frank’s performances have been very good.”

Mr Binfield, who handles Paddy Power’s PR on UK racecourses, said the teen ‘had talent’.

He said: “The lad has talent – that much is clear. He stole the show. I was sitting in the audience and a couple of people independently asked me if we offered any odds on an acting career. I had no option but to contact our traders to price him up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He may still be a little young to be the next Doctor Who, but you would not be at all surprised if he could carry it off. There is no question he has a bright future.”

Frank has just had a second audition at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

“To me, this was a major and unexpected achievement in itself,” he added.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: