TV’s 12th ‘Doctor Who’, Peter Capaldi, is quitting iconic sci-fi role

The Doctor will soon be out.

Peter Capaldi, who assumed the iconic role of Doctor Who in 2013, on Monday said he’ll leave the classic British series after this year’s Christmas special.

Capaldi announced his decision during an interview on BBC Radio 2 Monday and the show’s Twitter handle conveyed his news.

On the radio show, Capaldi thanked all involved with the show and its fans for their support.

“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,” he said in a statement.

The Doctor Who Official Twitter account reminded fans that Capaldi won’t be gone for a while, which should ease the sting.

Capaldi is the 12th doctor on the long-running British science-fiction series, following Matt Smith and David Tennant. The series follows a time-traveling alien who can change his appearance through regeneration - which is convenient for a show which began in 1963.

Doctor Who’s last significant casting change came when Jenna Coleman, who played the Doctor’s companion, left the show after 2015, and was replaced by Pearl Mackie.

Doctor Who writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, who also is entering his last season with the show, praised Capaldi in a statement.

“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 in 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,“ he said.

Mark Gatiss, who has written for and acted in Doctor Who, tweeted he’s sad about Capaldi’s announcement and considers him a “great” Doctor.