Doctor Who, BBC
Peter Capaldi’s Time Lord has called the time doctor whoafter confirming in a surprise radio interview on Monday that he will be leaving the long-running, much-loved sci-fi series at the end of this year.
He joined as the twelfth actor to play The Doctor when he replaced Matt Smith in 2013, during the show’s 50th anniversary year. It also means Capaldi’s departure will coincide with showrunner Steven Moffat’s departure from doctor who. Moffat said last year that the tenth series of the time-bending drama, which airs in the UK on April 15, will be his last.
Capaldi – when he confirmed his departure on BBC Radio 2 – said his final episodes would “reveal a darker thing that emerges at the end”. He added: “I think the most important thing for me is that it will be my last.”
Actors and production staff working on doctor who faced a grueling schedule, something Capaldi, 58, alluded to during his interview. “My contract expired, but then they asked me to stay, and I thought: I love this, but I don’t know how much longer I can do it and do my best.” And if I don’t do my best, I don’t want to.”
Chris Chibnall – the creator of ITV’s gripping whodunnit Broadchurch-will take over the iconic British sci-fi drama at the start of its 11th series in 2018.
Before that season 10 of doctor who will introduce Pearl Mackie as the Doctor’s new sidekick, Bill, while Matt Lucas will reprise his role as Nardole. And it’s good news for fans of the great Michelle Gomez, whose troublesome character Missy is also ready for a return to our screens.
Capaldi will regenerate into another actor – sorry doctor – on Christmas Day, the BBC said. Before Capaldi was revealed as the new Time Lord, some Whovians were calling for the next Doctor to be played by a woman. Ex-Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins now has some time to spare and could be a good choice – if BBC producers finally decide to change the doctor’s gender. Meanwhile, Richard Ayoade is going to have a busy year The crystal mazebut he is definitely an actor who would do well in the TARDIS*.
Does it also mean that the boot-clad Doctor—who always gets a different wardrobe when the character regenerates—will finally ditch those sonic sunglasses? Let’s hope.
*Who is who? Tell Ars who you want to play Who next time.
List image by Doctor Who, BBC