The BBC has named Peter Capaldi as the next incarnation of The Doctor.
In a special that aired on Sunday, Capaldi was announced as the 12th incarnation of the titular character of popular science fiction show Doctor Who. The 55-year-old actor is the same age as actor William Hartnell, who was the first actor to play the character when the show debuted in 1963, according to the BBC.
"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," Capaldi said.
Capaldi had been the odds-on favorite to play the role, as betting had placed him at 11/8 odds to take on the role, according to The Independent. He is best known for his role as a foul-mouthed spin doctor in BBC satire series The Thick of It, and it is expected that this incarnation of the doctor will be a departure in style from outgoing actor Matt Smith.
"One of the most talented actors of his generation is about to play the best part on television," said lead show writer Steven Moffat, adding that casting Capaldi in the role was intended as an “incendiary combination.”
Capaldi is no stranger to the show, as it was uncovered that he wrote a letter to the show in 1973, when he was only 15. He also previously played a Roman merchant named Caecilius in the 2008 episode “The Fires of Pompeii.”
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
