Peter Capaldi Exiting Doctor Who

LONDON: Peter Capaldi has announced that he will leave Doctor Who following the upcoming tenth season.

The Twelfth Doctor revealed the news during a BBC Radio 2 show with presenter Jo Whiley. The 12-episode tenth season returns to screens this April after a year’s break. The 2017 Doctor Who Christmas Special will be Capaldi’s final episode as the Doctor.

“One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best,” Capaldi said. “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.”

Capaldi took over from Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith in season eight. His exit coincides with the departure of showrunner Steven Moffat, who is also leaving after season ten. Chris Chibnall is taking over as showrunner starting with season 11.

Moffat said: “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!”

Charlotte Moore, the director of BBC Content, commented: “Peter Capaldi will always be a very special Doctor to me; his adventures through time and space started just as I arrived on BBC One. He has been a tremendous Doctor who has brought his own unique wisdom and charisma to the role. But, it’s not over yet—I know the next [season] is going to be spectacular. He’s a fine actor who I hope we work with again when he leaves the TARDIS.”

Brian Minchin, executive producer, said: “Peter Capaldi is an extraordinary Doctor and has taken the show to amazing places. Although I’m sad he has decided to move on in 2018, I’m delighted that we have one final [season] with Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat. I know what they’re planning and it’s going to be incredible.”