Peter Capaldi To Play New Doctor On ‘Doctor Who’

Peter Capaldi, as was anticipated, will pick up the torch of filling the iconic television role as the title character on BBC’s Doctor Who.

Capaldi, best known for playing Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It, was the favorite to become the 12th Doctor, having 5/6 odds prior to the announcement, according to bookies. Other favorites had been Ben Whishaw, Andrew Scott, Ben Daniels and David Harewood.

_{Peter Capaldi in 'The Thick of It'}

Scottish actor Capaldi is replacing Matt Smith as the Time Lord, who announced his departure from the series back in June. Smith’s final appearance in the role is believed to be the series’ upcoming Christmas special. “I feel very proud to be a part of such a wonderful legacy,” Smith said during the Television Critics Association press tour. “The thing about [the Doctor] is he always looks forward. The show will get bigger and better and carry on without me”

_{Matt Smith (center) as the Doctor}

Capaldi’s succession was announced by BBC on a half hour special titled “Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor,” which took a look back at the show’s 50-year run. During the forthcoming Christmas special, Smith will hand over the job to Capaldi. The new season – eighth since Doctor Who returned in 2005 – will return in August 2014 with Capaldi as the Doctor alongside his sidekick Clara played by Jenna-Louise Coleman.

– Chelsea Regan

Get Uinterview's FREE iPhone App For Daily News Updates here.

Get the FREE Uinterview iPad app here and watch our videos anywhere.

For More 'Doctor Who' News:

_{The Next 'Doctor Who' Will Be Announced Sunday On BBC America In Live Special}

_{Rory Kinnear To Be Next Doctor Who?}

_{Matt Smith, 'Doctor Who' Star, Quits The Show}

_{Matt Smith Takes A Ride As Dr. Who}