Peter Capaldi is leaving ‘Doctor Who’ at the end of 2017

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Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi has announced that he will be departing the show.

The Scottish actor took over from Matt Smith in 2013 and the Twelfth Doctor will regenerate in this year’s Christmas special.

2017’s festive episode also marks the departure of writer Steven Moffat as showrunner after seven years.

The announcement was made on Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 2 show on Monday night.

Peter 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.”

Executive producer Steven Moffat commented: “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, Director of BBC Content said: “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 series is going to be spectacular. He’s a fine actor who I hope we work with again when he leaves the TARDIS”.

Executive producer Brian Minchin added: “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.”

12 new Doctor Who episodes have been filming in Cardiff since June 2016, with Pearl Mackie and Matt Lucas joining Peter Capaldi as the Doctor’s latest companions, Bill Potts and Nardole.

Here’s everything we know so far about Season 10.

Season 10’s opening episode will air on Saturday 15 April on BBC One in the UK and on BBC America in the US, it was revealed this week.

Watch the trailer…

What will you miss most about Peter Capaldi’s Doctor? Let us know below…