Peter Capaldi to leave Doctor Who
Monday, 30 January 2017 - Reported by Anthony Weight
Peter Capaldi has announced that he is to leave Doctor Who at the end of the current production run, with his final appearance coming in this year's Christmas special episode. A new actor will then take on the role for Chris Chibnall's first season as showrunner in 2018.
The news came during this evening's special edition of the Jo Whiley show on BBC Radio 2, "An Evening With Peter Capaldi." Capaldi said
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.
Under Capaldi's reign as The Doctor, the show has expanded globally; he took the series on a world tour and has drawn record ratings in BBC America, Canada, and Latin America. Peter Capaldi's final series also marks writer and executive producer Steven Moffat's last. He 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. Peters’ 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, Director of BBC Content, saidPeter 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 series 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 series with Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat. I know what they're planning and it's going to be incredible.
There is no news yet on when or how the next actor to play the role will be announced, nor of course any indication of who the 13th Doctor might be.Capaldi's final series as the Doctor, the tenth since the return of Doctor Who in 2005, will begin transmission on BBC One on Saturday 15th April.
Capaldi will be joined in Series 10 by new companion Pearl Mackie (Bill), and Matt Lucas (Nardole) with guest appearances to come from David Suchet and Michelle Gomez. He has starred alongside Jenna Coleman as his companion Clara Oswald, Alex Kingston as River Song, Ingrid Oliver as Osgood, as well as Keeley Hawes, Tom Riley, Frank Skinner, Maisie Williams, Joivan Wade and many more. Capaldi's Doctor has fought Daleks and Davros, Cybermen, Zygons, new monsters like the Veil and old foes the Time Lords.