The Twelfth Doctor is not long for this world: Peter Capaldi has announced that he is leaving Doctor Who at the end of this year. Capaldi made the shock announcement during an appearance on Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 2 show.
“I feel it’s time to move on,” he told Whiley. “I feel sad, I love Doctor Who, it is a fantastic programme to work on.”
Capaldi took over the role as The Doctor in 2013 following the departure of Matt Smith, fulfilling a lifelong dream. His exit is set to coincide with that of showrunner Steven Moffat, who is set to be replaced by Chris Chibnall, former Doctor Who writer and creator of ITV crime drama Broadchurch, next year.
“I can’t praise the people I work with more highly, but I have always been someone that did a lot of different things,” Capaldi said.
“One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best,” he explained. “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,” he added.
Capaldi’s final run as The Doctor – season 10 of the show – begins on 15th April, 2017, with the following Christmas special at the end of the year marking the last appearance of the Twelfth Doctor (barring a multi-Doctor special, of course).
“Monsters of the universe, be on your guard – Capaldi’s not done with you yet!” showrunner Moffat declared. “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.”
