Matt Lucas, Peter Capaldi, Jo Whiley, Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin attend the Doctor Who 2016 Christmas special screening at BFI Southbank on December 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo : Getty Images/Stuart C. Wilson / Stringer)
Confirming last year's speculations, Peter Capaldi is confirmed to leave BBC's "Doctor Who" at the end of this year. After over 3 years of playing the titular role, Capaldi is ready to pass the baton to his successor.
Capaldi, who has played the Doctor since 2013, revealed his decision to retire from the show in an interview with a BBC radio program. He said, as quoted by The New York Times, he felt that it was time "to move on to different challenges."
"Doctor Who" Season 10, which will premiere on BBC this April, will be Capaldi's last outing as the Doctor. He is the 12th actor to play the role, succeeding Matt Smith who took on the character from 2010 to 2013.
"I feel sad, I love 'Doctor Who,' it is a fantastic program to work on," Capaldi said. "But I don't know how long I can give it my best, and if I'm not giving it my best, I don't want to do it."
"Doctor Who" is one of BBC's most popular shows of all time. The first season went into broadcast in 1963 and ran until 1989. The show was then resurrected in 2005. Several renowned actors have taken on the Doctor Who mantle, including the late John Hurt.
So far, there has been no confirmation as to who would replace Capaldi as the Doctor. BBC reports that among the bookmakers' favorites includes Ben Whishaw. He plays Q in the more recent "James Bond" movies.
Whishaw's geekiness and eccentricity is said to be a winning formula for him to play the character. Another popular choice is "The IT Crowd" star Richard Ayoade.
The role of the Doctor is, by tradition, played by male characters. In more recent times, there has been a call to have an actress play the time-travelling character. "The Night Manager" actress Billie Piper is a favorite for the role. To express her interest she has commeted that it would "feel like a snub" if another male star were to portray the 13th doctor.
"Doctor Who" Season 10 will premiere on April 15, 2017. The final episode, and Capaldi's last check in as the Doctor, will be on Christmas Day.
