Tom Cruise To Star In Dr Who?

Tom Cruise is set to star in a special episode of hit British TV show Doctor Who, it's been claimed.

The Lions for Lambs actor is among a host of top US stars - including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Madonna - who the BBC are hoping to get on board for three blockbuster instalments of the British sci-fi series to be filmed next year.

An insider tells 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."

BBC might be punching above their weight here but Doctor Who does have a track record of attracting top stars for cameos.

This year's Christmas special, Voyage of the Damned, will see Kylie Minogue play a waitress at the 1912 launch party for the famously doomed ocean liner the Titanic, which sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage.

The three Doctor Who specials will be shot in 2008, but will not hit screens until 2009.