After three seasons on the TARDIS, Peter Capaldi has decided to leave behind his role as the Twelfth Doctor once he finishes the 10th season of Doctor Who.
Capaldi made his initial departure during an appearance on BBC Radio 2, but he later released the following statement to the BBC: “One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best. From our brilliant crew and creative team working for the best broadcaster on the planet, to the viewers and fans whose endless creativity, generosity and inclusiveness points to a brighter future ahead. I can’t thank everyone enough. It’s been cosmic.”
Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat added his own thoughts as well. “For years before I ever imagined being involved in Doctor Who, or had ever met the man, I wanted to work with Peter Capaldi. I could not have imagined that one day we’d be standing on the TARDIS together. Like Peter, I’m facing up to leaving the best job I’ll ever have, but knowing I do so in the company of the best, and kindest and cleverest of men, makes the saddest of endings a little sweeter. But hey, it’s a long way from over. Peter’s amazing, fiery, turbulent Doctor is still fighting the good fight, and his greatest adventures are yet to come. Monsters of the universe, be on your guard – Capaldi’s not done with you yet!”
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Capaldi is a lifelong Doctor Who fan who made his debut on the series in 2008 as Caecilius in the fourth season episode, “The Fires of Pompeii.” Much to Capaldi’s surprise, Moffat later offered him the role of the Twelfth Doctor, making him one of the oldest actors to play the lead of the series. In the modern era, no performer has stayed with the show beyond three series, although David Tennant had a few extra specials under his belt before departing the franchise.
As noted above, Capaldi will remain in the role through the tenth season of the revival series. His final episode will be the annual Christmas special, which will air globally on December 25, 2017. Of course, now that Capaldi has revealed his intention to step down, the search for the next Doctor Who star will soon get under way.
Who do you think should play the next Doctor? Share your picks in the comment section below!
