Paul McGann has told The Sun that he believes that Matt Smith won his new Doctor Who role because of his crazy hair.

McGann played the Doctor in the 1996 movie adaptation of the show and said: “Matt said that in the auditions they could not stop talking about his hair.

“They were telling him his hair was wonderful — that’s exactly what happened to me when I got the part. Current Doctor David Tennant also has striking hair.

“Basically, if you’ve got long or big hair, you’ve got the job.”

Paul added: “He is an absolute knockout choice — a fabulous actor with a very odd quality about him, which you need as the character.”