ADVERTISEMENT

TV Series

Peter Capaldi is named as the Twelfth Doctor

Amid much hype and speculation, Peter Capaldi was unveiled as the next Doctor during a special live television event on BBC One tonight.

Widely regarded as one of the biggest roles in British television, Capaldi will be the Twelfth Doctor and takes over from Matt Smith who leaves the show at Christmas.

Peter Capaldi says : “Being asked to play The Doctor is an amazing privilege. Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight. I can't wait to get started."

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer says : “It's an incendiary combination: one of the most talented actors of his generation is about to play the best part on television. Peter Capaldi is in the TARDIS!”

Current companion, Clara, actor Jenna Coleman says "I'm so excited Peter Capaldi is the man taking on the challenge of becoming the Twelfth Doctor. With Steven's writing and his talent I know we'll be making an amazing show with an incredible incarnation of number 12. I can't wait to start this new adventure!"

12th Doctor

Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One says : “Peter Capaldi has all the genius and versatility needed to take on the mantel of the great Time Lord and make the role his own. He'll bring his own particular wisdom, charisma and wit to the Twelfth Doctor and take the show into an exciting new era.”

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning says : “We started thinking Peter Capaldi might be the right person to take on this iconic part a few months ago. But it was only when he did a secret audition at Steven's house under the cover of darkness that we knew we had our man. He's an extraordinarily talented actor who can seemingly turn his hand to anything. We can't wait to premiere his unique take on the Doctor on Christmas Day and we are sure he's going to become one of the all-time classic Doctors.”

ADVERTISEMENT.
PAGE CONTINUES BELOW

More on TV Series

Sorry there is no content available for your region.

more from the whoniverse

Explore

Show Info

Explore

Stories

Explore

Play

More From Read and Watch

Murray Gold on creating the 60th Anniversary Specials soundtrack

10 Nov 2026

The legendary composer speaks to Doctor Who Magazine about revisiting classic themes and composing for an all-new Doctor...

DWM 636
Features

Read 'Nine Minutes Past Four', an exclusive 'Tales of the TARDIS' prequel short story

23 Oct 2026

Two Doctors have an unlikely encounter in this prequel to the new 'Tales of the TARDIS' story collection by Beth Axford.

Tales of the TARDIS
Features

Soundtrack for 60th Anniversary Specials coming this Doctor Who Day

15 Oct 2026

Silva Screen Records bring the 2023 score to digital and CD from 23rd November, with original music from Murray Gold.

The Fourteenth Doctor and Donna
Product

Sophie Aldred on costuming and challenges of 80s Doctor Who

15 Oct 2026

The Seventh Doctor's companion reminisces on her experiences creating Classic Doctor Who...

DWM 635
Features

Christopher Eccleston and Carole Ann Ford to star in the Ninth Doctor's Big Finish Christmas special

8 Oct 2026

The Ninth Doctor and Susan bring Christmas to the Doctor Who YouTube channel in a new audio adventure...

Doctor Who: The Wash
Product

from the store

More from the store

Circuit Breaker 

Momento Mori

Coming 27.08.2026 to Doctor Who: Lost in Time

Not available in your area

Circuit Breaker Product 9
Circuit Breaker

Circuit Breaker 

The Doctor and the Three Witches

Coming 20.08.2026 to Puffin Books

Not available in your area

Circuit Breaker Product 8
Circuit Breaker

Circuit Breaker 

Don't Blink!

Coming 17.08.2026 to UNIT HQ

Not available in your area

Circuit Breaker Product 7
Circuit Breaker

Circuit Breaker 

Castling

Coming 06.08.2026 to Doctor Who: Lost in Time

Not available in your area

Circuit Breaker Product 6
Circuit Breaker