In recent weeks Christopher Eccleston has gone from being an acclaimed but only mildly known actor to an international household name thanks to the immensely successful relaunch of the "Doctor Who" TV series in the UK. He also made headlines the other week when it was revealed he quit the show after just working on one 13-episode season because of fear of being typecast as one of TV's most famous characters.

It seems though, the man has landed on his feet . According to UK tabloid The Mirror, he is close to signing on for a role in Ron Howard's "The Da Vinci Code", beating Jim Carrey and a bevy of other 'names' to the role of albino assassin Silas.

"As soon as film producers spotted Chris on Doctor Who they knew they had to go for him - he has everything they want. He is a very serious and respected actor who always gives a great performance. He would be brilliant as Silas. Some big names have already signed up for the film. Chris has now been sent a script and is mulling it over - but he has been told he may have to wear a long white wig" an insider told .

"The Da Vinci Code", starring Tom Hanks, Jean Reno and Audrey Tatou, begins filming in June in Paris.

Thanks to 'Moisturise Me'.