Lily Allen is in line to become Doctor Who's next assistant, according to reports.

The singer, who has been linked with the TV show in the past, is said to be the favourite with bosses at the BBC.

If cast in the role, Allen would follow in the footsteps of fellow pop star, Kylie Minogue, who played the assistant during a one off special in 2007.

Piers Wenger, executive producer of the hit show, told the Telegraph: "We would never cast anyone on the basis of their celebrity, but if Lily wanted to audition we would be delighted. It would be a lot of fun."

Allen already has experience of TV, having hosted her own chat show on BBC3 in 2007. She has also spoken in the past of her desire to try acting.

Former model Kelly Brook and ex-S Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens are also understood to be in contention for the role.

Speculation over who will be cast as Doctor Who's next assistant has risen since the BBC unveiled 26-year-old actor Matt Smith as the eleventh Doctor last weekend.

Smith, the youngest Doctor in the programme's history, will takeover from David Tennant in 2010.

As previously reported on Gigwise, Allen sparked rumours she was dating again last Friday (January 2nd) after she was picture kissing a millionaire art dealer on a boat in the Caribbean.

Lily Allen