Capaldi to make way for new Doctor

AAP

27 Jan, 2016 04:00 PM2 mins to read

Doctor Who touched down in Auckland yesterday to meet his fans - and console a few too. The Who fanbase across the world is reeling from the death of the Time Lord's companion Clara Oswald, played by Jena Coleman, in the latest episode which screened in Britain on Saturday and in New Zealand on Sunday night. Though Peter Capaldi, who plays the 12th incarnation of the sci-fi character hinted that, as it has been for more than 50 years, things in the show aren't always clear-cut.

Scottish actor hints that he could bow out after 10 seasons in hit TV show.

Scottish actor Peter Capaldi is reportedly set to leave hit TV show Doctor Who next year, as lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat steps down.

Moffat, who took charge of the show in 2010, has announced he will depart at the end of the upcoming 10th season next year, and now it has emerged current Time Lord Capaldi could be exiting along with him.

Jenna Coleman and Peter Capaldi in a scene from Doctor Who.

Chris Chibnall, the producer of hit British drama Broadchurch, will replace Moffat.

"Bosses are already discussing a fresh start when Steven leaves," a source tells Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper.

"They've been happy with what Peter has brought to the role but some think it might make sense to give Chris his own choice of actor to play the Doctor. They hope he will be able to find someone who can have the same impact as Matt Smith did when Steven Moffat kicked off his run as executive producer."

Moffat previously declared of his decision to leave, "Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I'm just starting work on the scripts for season 10, but the fact is my timey-wimey is running out."

The Thick of It star Capaldi made his debut as Doctor Who in season eight in 2014, taking over from Matt Smith, and he will return for season 10 in 2016.

Peter Capaldi as The Doctor in Doctor Who.

However, Capaldi recently hinted he could soon be leaving the show, telling Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper, "This could be my final year - it's terrifying. I love Doctor Who, but it can be quite an insular world and I do want to do other things.

"When you accept the job you know there'll come a day ... when you'll be saying goodbye."