The BBC will announce the 12th incarnation of The Doctor of its cult science fiction hit Doctor Who on Sunday in a live special.
The special, titled Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor, will be simulcast on BBC America at 2 p.m. EST and on BBC One at 7 p.m. GMT. Special guests will include the current incarnation of The Doctor, Matt Smith, as well as lead show writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, as well as previous companions and incarnations of the character, according to a release by the BBC.
“BBC One is the home of big live events and this special live show is the perfect way to reveal the identity of the next Doctor and share it with the nation,” said Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One. “The Doctor is a truly iconic role and I’m more than excited about the booking.”
Smith announced earlier this year that he’d be stepping down as the 11th doctor after this year’s Christmas Special, his third season on the show. He took over the role in 2010 after David Tennant’s highly regarded run and has enjoyed immense superstardom as the show has reached massive popularity in both England and the US. At 26 years old at the time of his casting, he was the youngest actor cast for the role.
“We can't wait to unveil the next Doctor with everyone live on BBC One on Sunday night. Amongst all the speculation and betting, there has been lots of fun and intrigue at work,” said Ben Stephenson, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning. “It’s the biggest secret in showbiz, even those working with the new Doctor on other projects at the moment have no idea they are in the presence of the 12th incarnation.”
CNN lists actor Peter Capaldi, known for his role as Malcolm Tucker in British comedy series “The Thick of It,” as the odds on favorite to star as the next time traveler. Other speculation suggests Billie Piper, previously known as The Doctor’s companion Rose, and Idris Elba, most well-known as criminal Stringer Bell in HBO series The Wire.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the show, as the premiere was delayed in 1963 due to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The show ran until 1989, when it went off the air until it was revived in 2005 behind the creative efforts of Russell T. Davies and Moffat, with Christopher Eccleston playing the ninth incarnation of the Doctor.
“The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who’s taking over the TARDIS. For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve,” said Moffat in a statement.
A 50th anniversary special will air on November 23 with Tennant and Piper reprising their roles. John Hurt will also star in the special.