Brian Blessed turned down Dr Who as he was 'too busy'

Veteran actor Brian Blessed said it was about time an Asian of female actor played Dr Who. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Veteran actor Brian Blessed once turned down the lead role in Dr Who as he was "too busy," he told the Radio Times.

The 77-year-old, famed for his booming delivery, said he was offered the role in the mid-1960s, but it "clashed with other things."

Asked if he would play the Time Lord now, Blessed said he would "jump" at the chance.

But he added: "I think they need to re-examine his surname - "Who" is very oriental. It's about time they had an Asian actor as the Doctor. And a female one."

Blessed, who is also fondly remembered for another sci-fi role as Prince Vultan in the movie Flash Gordon, will examine his roots in a new BBC series of Who Do You Think You Are?

Doctor Who returns to BBC1 on August 23 with Peter Capaldi starring as the latest regeneration of The Doctor.