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August 4th, 2013 425 comments

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12th Doctor Revealed – What do you Think?

12th Doctor Revealed – What do you Think?

The new Doctor is Peter Capaldi!

Peter-Capaldi

So the wait is over and we now know who will take over from Matt Smith in the Christmas Special – so what do you think?


In a special live broadcast, the BBC today announced that the role of Doctor Who would next be played by Peter Capaldi.

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!”

Doctor Who companion, 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!”

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.”

Rankin exclusively shot Peter Capaldi this morning, picture available from www.bbcpictures.com

Doctor Who is produced by BBC Cymru Wales

BIOGRAPHY

Peter Capaldi is an award winning actor, film maker and lifelong Doctor Who fan.

He has enjoyed an illustrious career to date in both film and television.

Before securing the coveted role of the Twelfth Doctor, Peter first appeared in Doctor Who in 2008, playing Caecilius in the episode “The Fires of Pompeii”.

Peter grew up in Glasgow and attended the Glasgow School of Art, while studying there he secured his first breakthrough role in Local Hero (1983). He has also had roles in Dangerous Liaisons, The Crow Road, The Devil’s Whore and Torchwood: Children of Earth.

It is his role as Government spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in the BBC comedy series, The Thick of It , that has earned Peter both international and award success. In 2010 he won the BAFTA Television Award for Best Male Performance in a Comedy Role and the BPG Best Actor Award. In both 2010 and 2012, Peter won the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actor. A film spin-off from The Thick of It, entitled In the Loop, was released in 2009.

As well as appearing in front of the camera, Peter is an award winning film maker. In 1995, he won the Oscar for Best Short Film (Live Action) for Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life. He also wrote Soft Top, Hard Shoulder, which won the audience award at the London Film Festival, and wrote and directed Strictly Sinatra. Peter’s stage credits include Professor Marcus in The Ladykillers at the Liverpool Playhouse, which saw the play transfer to the Gielgud Theatre in London.

2013 has been a busy year for Peter who has been seen on screen in the film World War Z and in BBC Two drama series The Hour, for which he was BAFTA nominated. Not only will Peter film his first scenes for Doctor Who this Autumn, but he will appear in the forthcoming film The Fifth Estate and the Disney film Maleficent.

Peter is currently filming new BBC One drama series The Musketeers, in which he plays Cardinal Richelieu which will launch in early 2014.


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425 comments

  • Lindsey

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:52pm

    I’m just pleased we’ve got a new Dr, I loved David Tennant as the Dr, he is by far my favourite and then Matt Smith arrived. I was not happy, even had to stop watching, he really wasn’t the Dr for me. So I am pleased and wish Peter all the best, looking forward to watching again.

    Reply
    • poobar73

      August 4th, 2013 - 9:22pm

      Then if you turn of because of that you are not a real fan

    • Da Big Freindly Button

      August 4th, 2013 - 11:46pm

      That is not true,you can still be a real fan of Doctor Who even if you do not watch a certan actors run.
      You’re a fan if you like the lore of the show or even the monsters, you cannot expect everyone to like everything in a show.

    • Sam Bentley

      August 5th, 2013 - 12:14am

      If you switch off for a certain Doctor’s era, do you know what that makes you? A dweek.

      That isn’t a good thing. True Whovians stick by the programme no matter who the front man is or who is writing the stories.

      Sorry if I seem harsh – but that’s basically fact at the end of the day.

  • LS

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:48pm

    I am so pleased Peter Capaldi has take the role. He is a fine actor and we are very lucky to have him. I think he will bring some gravitas to the role and hopefully all these young assistants won’t fall in love so easily. They could of course have a more mature female but I don’t think the dads will like that. Don’t get me wrong the romance between the doctor and Rose was beautifully executed but only will remain a classic if the theme is not revisited or hinted at constantly. I am hopeful because of the excellent job he did in Torchwood that he will have a ‘feel’ for SF. Don’t forget a lot of the acting has to be done on a blue screen which must be difficult. I think that was a problem with Chris Eccelston who is an exceptional actor but I really don’t think his heart was in it. Good luck Peter – onwards and upwards from a viewer the same age as you but very much in touch with my inner child as I hope you are as well – you will need it!

    Reply
  • lepter

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:44pm

    dont agree. evryone said that about mat smith. I look forward to seeing peter.

    Reply
  • HappyZero

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:42pm

    YES! Yes! An older Doctor. it was a bit unnerving last time, being a year older than Matt.
    The key to Doctor Who’s longevity is to take a new direction with each regeneration. I can’t wait to see a different Doctor and Peter Capaldi’s take on the Timelord.

    Reply
  • Smidge

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:41pm

    My first reactions were sceptical – but don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

    I’ve never really seen him in anything before (apart from Fires of Pompeii) but as his interview went on I realised how good he could actually be.

    Going back to an older Doctor will be interesting and I’m fascinated to see how the relationships between the twelfth Doctor and Clara, and River change/develop.

    I honestly just can’t wait to see his costume and watch him in action!

    Reply
    • RYCBAR123

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:51pm

      Well said! I’m not sure myself about how many things he’s been in (I prefer unknown actors so far) but I’m willing to wait and see 🙂

  • Anonymous

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:37pm

    Very exciting – top actor! I to am curious about his costume and what his personality will be like…we’ve had a lot of cookie (DT and MS)….so someone a bit more dark will be welcome…but I’ll enjoy the show whatever.

    So…if John Hurt is an incarnation of the Doctor but all the official garb is still presenting Peter Capldi as the ’12th’ Doctor….is that just because they are yet to explain the John Hurt incarnation….or are they more twists on the way that ends up removing the John Hurt incarnation from time….?

    Exciting times ahead. I’ve been watching the show since 1978 and I have never been so excited as a fan.

    Well done Steven Moffat (ignore your critics…a very vocal minority) and Matt Smith (same goes…I watched the great Tom Baker when he was in the role and you are my favourite doctor!).

    Reply
  • Simon Duffy

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:35pm

    Great to see the return to a older Dr. Another younger one would have been a bit odd.
    Think Capaldi is a great actor and will be great

    Reply
  • the eternal doctor

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:35pm

    I thing it is a good choice and I am happy that he has got it my mum is so upset she wanted matt smith to stay (she loves him)
    I also think that he might not suit Clara
    in order my faviroute doctors in order are
    .matt smith
    .David tenant
    ,Christopher eccleston
    .tom baker
    .Patrick troughton
    .john pertweet
    .Sylvester McCoy
    .peter Davison
    .William hartnell
    .Paul mganan
    .coin baker
    dose anyone disagree with me
    it is a good choice but will always be upset that matt smith is leaving a tear comes from my eye (not really)

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:55pm

      Tom Baker should be at the top he is the best!!!!!

    • JennaColemanCanNeverLeaveDoctorWho

      August 4th, 2013 - 9:01pm

      I am with you about the whole thing with twelve doctor not mixing with clara because she is young, and I don’t see Peter as the doctor because he is older. No offence intended. I will really miss matt smith too but I disagree with the choice. He is not the type of guy I would have picked but I still say congrats to him and good luck

  • Obsie

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:34pm

    Nearly everyone is dreading another change over, however just remember that in the last fifty years (just about) everyone always reacts so quickly to this news. After all what would be the alternative : to be cancelled, again?

    Reply
  • Silence Will Still Fall

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:33pm

    Great choice and definitely the right decision to get an older doctor. I really do hate all the negative comments that people write when a new doctor is cast like he’s too old/young (doesn’t matter), he doesn’t look like the doctor (how’s he supposed to look?), he won’t be very good (minority say this every time and are proven spectacularly wrong) it was exactly the same when matt smith came in and look how that turned out (he’s my favourite doctor with pat troughton in 2nd).

    Reply
  • Barry Rix

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:33pm

    Great choice, Peter Capaldi, at 55 a welcome return to an older actor in the role, and he will be fantastic.

    Reply
    • KEITH PHILIP SOLLEY

      August 5th, 2013 - 1:23am

      think daniel rigby should be the 13th docter!

  • GingerDoctorMania

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:29pm

    All i want to see now is his costume and then i will have a complete verdict on how this doctor `Looks`, hopefully something rather new to THE NEW SERIES.

    Reply
  • sheepinafez

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:29pm

    how can anyone be upset about this its brilliant news he looks like the doctor and he is the doctor and its like his life long dream were about to see a little boys dream come true!

    Reply
  • 11matt

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:27pm

    what do you think his costume will be

    Reply
    • thedaleksdeath

      August 4th, 2013 - 9:12pm

      Here’s my idea…

      I think it should be Sherlock’s coat he wears one like the Tennant one Dark blue shirt and black cravat, dark blue trousers and black shiny shoes 😀 Plus a top hat?

  • Anonymous

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:20pm

    I think it wonderful to have a slightly older doctor for the new series, i can actually hints of john pertwee in him;

    Hes (of course) older than the previous doctor

    He apparently has a rather wise and humorous wit `take` on the doctor

    And i know already he has good commitment because he was a fan and i already know hes a great acter.

    BEST OF LUCK PETER CAPALDI `The Twelfth Doctor!`

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:24pm

      Well yes of course, im just saying (from what im hearing so far) he reminds me of him. Which is GREAT!

  • Alastair

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:19pm

    I think it’s great having an older guy as the next doctor. Peter Capaldi will allow them to explore other areas rather than painting themselves into a corner. I am old enough to remember the raised eyebrows when Peter Davidson – that young vet- was selected and so different from Tom Baker was selected. I have also heard there were loads of complaints when Patric Troughton replaced William Hartnel so give the guy a fair chance and not dismiss him before he has even filmed a sceen.

    Reply
  • KORSAIR

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:19pm

    I totally approve, good choice.

    Reply
  • TheBritishCupOfTea

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:18pm

    Trust me, he won’t be bad.

    Reply
  • ZygonTerror

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:17pm

    Anyone who is saying Peter Capaldi isn’t a good actor must have been watching someone else in shows like ‘The Thick of It’ and ‘Torchwood: Children of Earth’ (which in my opinion he played the best role in TW S3). People are always the same when a new doctor is announced because they don’t like the suddenness of the switchover but its not fair to judge before giving Peter a chance.

    Reply
  • The TARDIS

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:15pm

    To anyone complaining that he is too old…
    1) go and watch the classic series.
    2) have a good think about it
    3) can you still see what’s wrong with old?

    Reply
    • The TARDIS

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:16pm

      To anyone who says he’s a bad actor, go and watch Children of Earth.

    • The TARDIS

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:18pm

      If you think he’s too well known, look at Christopher Eccleston.

    • The TARDIS

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:19pm

      All I ask is people reserve judgement until he’s played the Doctor. If you then think he is wrong for the role, fair enough.

    • Anonymous

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:27pm

      I completely agree with you `The TARDIS`, from what we are hearing so far it is all rather posotive news but we will find out what he is really like next April.

  • Pug in a kilt

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:14pm

    I see a lot of Tom Baker in him.

    Reply
    • KEITH PHILIP SOLLEY

      August 5th, 2013 - 1:17am

      he has simlar hair and the same ‘piercing’ eyes as tom

  • WHO DUDE

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:13pm

    I think it is a odd choice but rewarding as he is a brill actor. Hope his Doctor is nicer than Malcolm Tucker:)

    Reply
  • Professor When

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:10pm

    I don’t care if Capaldi kisses Clara because he’s Old.
    I care if Capaldi kisses Clara because she’s my Clara! XD
    In all seriousness, I want to wait until he performs to judge him 🙂

    Reply
  • sheepinafez

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:09pm

    YES GET IN!!!

    Reply
  • Andrew

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:07pm

    To all those having a good moan .
    Get a life, Peter caldi is an excellent actor, so why not give him a chance before giving your opinion.
    This is just like when billie piper and Catherine Tate were announced as companions.
    Some people can be do narrow minded.
    And shame on Moffat for not turning up at the ceremony.

    Reply
  • The Monitor

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:06pm

    Having coincidentally watched The Thick of It series 1 and Minder “Life in the Fast Food Lane” I have been impressed with his range.

    Whilst I was thinking younger than Smith is the trend, as we near the theoretical end of the number of bona-fide incarnations the Doctor can have, it is probably a set in the right direction.

    Overall, very pleased.

    Reply
  • Colin

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:05pm

    A good if somewhat safe choice and his age does suggest they will be moving away from the romance angle with clara.

    Peter is a fantastic actor though I remember him as the mad angel islington in neverwhere.

    I imagine he will player a darker more intense doctor. Over all pleased with their choice but still lookforward to the day they take the plunge with the first female doctor.

    Reply
  • JAMIE WHO

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:05pm

    THW NEW IS TOO OLD AND HE BEEN ON IT ALREADY I HATE HIM BUT I WILL STILL WATCH IT

    Reply
    • The Monitor

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:07pm

      Just remember it is the roles he plays so convincingly that makes you “hate” him, not the person himself.

    • JAMIE WHO

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:09pm

      I know I just hope he in it for one series

    • JAMIE WHO

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:12pm

      it for the monitor what I just said and yes I agree josh smith

    • Doctor Winchester

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:19pm

      At first I hated 11. But when i got to know him, I loved him. I was heart broken after 10, when I saw 11 I kinda laughed through the tears. I agree with you he is old. But you might love just like you loved 9, 10 and 11.

    • lepter

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:41pm

      of course….john pertwee was a spring chicken when he played the doctor. I think he will be good. just hope the writers are up to it.

    • JAMIE WHO

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:44pm

      if he was younger and hasn’t been on doctor who I would like him but I don’t Doctor Winchester

    • JAMIE WHO

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:45pm

      also he looks creepy

    • thedaleksdeath

      August 4th, 2013 - 9:00pm

      Here we go again….Peter Capail I think his name is guys stop hating him as you haven’t even seen him as the Doctor…Josh Smith you don’t need to look like a Doctor”ry” person to play the role…

    • poobar73

      August 4th, 2013 - 9:26pm

      You NEED to wait until you make such hard disisions

    • Scott the Raptor

      August 6th, 2013 - 9:15am

      JAMIE WHO, remember the first images of Matt Smith outside the TARDIS in January 2009? Don’t tell me Matt Smith doesn’t look like a creep in those.

    • Amy pond

      August 9th, 2013 - 9:05am

      I am really happy about the choice but i think it will be really hard to replace Matt he was sooo funny and a great actor.
      But i think Peter Capaldi might surprise us and put a great show!!!
      Listening to Dr Who theme tune right now!!!
      And all you people who think peter capaldi is going to be bad how can you say that you have not seen him yet!!!

  • RYCBAR123

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:04pm

    I honestly don’t know what to feel now…

    Reply
  • LG

    August 4th, 2013 - 8:04pm

    Wow, Peter Capoldi. Another Doctor to add to the chant! For the people who think it should have been a woman, this happens every year. I don’t think there will ever be a female Doctor, it’s too much of a change from the format. As much as a woman could work, I think a lot of fans would be disappointed.

    Reply
    • Doctor Winchester

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:17pm

      I wouldn’t be disappointed. A change is good. The Doctor has always be a man. at least I would like to see the Doctor as a female. It could be a whole new adventure.

    • drjakeyoung

      August 4th, 2013 - 8:35pm

      He said ALOT of the fans.

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