Peter Capaldi will depart “Doctor Who” after the 2017 Christmas special, the actor announced on Monday.
“It (the new series of Doctor Who) will be my last… I feel it’s time to move on,” Capaldi said in an interview with BBC Radio.
The timing means that the star will depart the series at the same time as showrunner Steven Moffat. “Broadchurch’s” Chris Chibnall will take over showrunner duties in 2018.
Capaldi revealed that his contract was up, and despite having been asked to stay on for more episodes, he didn’t feel he could continue to do his “best work” on the show.
“I feel sad,” Capaldi told the BBC’s Jo Whiley. “I love ‘Doctor Who” … but I’ve always been somebody that did a lot of different things. I’ve never done one job for three years.”
Capaldi had no information about who would replace him come next season, but he did add that he still has “a lot to do” before his run is up. “We’re doing epic stuff,” he said. “I’m not done yet.”
“One of the greatest privileges of being ‘Doctor Who’ is to see the world at its best,” he 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,” he said. “It’s been cosmic.”
BREAKING NEWS!
“It (the new series of Doctor Who) will be my last… I feel it’s time to move on.”
– Peter Capaldi
#DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/4gx9rTShPZ— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) January 30, 2017