It’s the end, but the moment is being prepared for. Peter Capaldi confirms the upcoming season of ‘Doctor Who‘ will be his last in the title role…
As one fan, Graham Daniels, coined it: The UK must prepare for.. ‘Drexit’….
Though it had been rumoured for a while, no-one expected any real confirmation that Peter Capaldi was to exit Doctor Who at this fixed point in time. The usual, general speculation had begun with the news that Steven Moffat would leave after the 2017 season, handing over the reins to incoming show-runner Chris Chibnall and that it might involve a ‘clean-slate’ and new era for the show.
A Radio 2 interview today with host Jo Whiley brought the shock, early confirmation. You can hear it here…
Capaldi, who will celebrate his 59th birthday in April, has been a big success in the role, one that he enjoyed immensely in a show he’d enjoyed since childhood and there was a feeling among fans that there might be at least one more more run for him. Confirming his departure in the interview today, Capaldi also confirmed he’d been asked to stay, but felt it was the right time to leave, while he was still bringing his best to proceedings.
Capaldi tweeted, via the official Doctor Who twitter-feed that…: “It (the new series of Doctor Who) will be my last… I feel it’s time to move on.” but added: “I’m still #DoctorWho! We’re doing epic stuff! I’m not done yet!”
The next season looks set to start on 15th April and will have some classic monsters and some new creations. Capaldi has referred to it as feeling like ‘vintage’ Doctor Who but with a darkness permeating the latter part of the run. It will consist of the usual twelve episodes – with a traditional Christmas special where it appears that Capaldi will make his exit.
“For years before I ever imagined being involved in Doctor Who, or had ever met the man, I wanted to work with Peter Capaldi”, Steven Moffatt said in an official statement. “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.”
There is no news over whether incoming companion Bill (Pearl Mackey) will also depart after just one season…
