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Little-known actor Matt Smith is next in line to star as The Doctor in the long-running sci-fi series “Doctor Who.”

The BBC reports that Smith will replace current star David Tennant, who will leave the British show after shooting four special episodes this year, in 2010.

At 26, Smith will be the youngest actor to take on the iconic role, which so far has been played by 10 different actors since “Doctor Who” began broadcasting in 1963.

The show follows a time-travelling alien, The Doctor, who can regenerate into new human bodies. It regularly draws 10 million viewers an episode in Britain and can be seen on CBC Television in Canada.

Smith, who will begin filming for the series this summer, made his TV debut in the 2006 adaptation of Philip Pullman’s “The Ruby in the Smoke.” He also starred in the BBC political drama “Party Animals” and has appeared on the London stage.

According to MonstersAndCritics.com, Tom Cruise will star in a special episode of the BBC hit “Doctor Who.”

The BBC is also aiming to have Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Madonna appear in one of three super-sized “Who” specials, which will be filmed in 2008 but won’t air until 2009.

According to a source of Britain’s Daily Star newspaper, “BBC producers know they can’t pay these stars what they are used to, but what they can offer is an exciting role in a real cutting-edge show. And the big stars love that kind of kudos.”

Kylie Minogue stars in this year’s “Doctor Who” Christmas special, “Voyage of the Damned,” which will take place on the doomed Titanic.