The Doctor will likely regenerate for the 13th time next year.
According to The Mirror, BBC executives expect Peter Capaldi to depart Doctor Who after season 10, the upcoming set of episodes which will air in 2017. He'll be leaving, along with showrunner Steven Moffat, in order to give new showrunner Chris Chibnall a fresh start.
“They’ve been happy with what Peter has brought to the role but some think it might make sense to give Chris his own choice of actor to play the Doctor," a BBC source told The Mirror.
They supposedly hope the new performer has the same effect on the series that Matt Smith had at the start of season 5. When Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies was replaced by Moffat at the end of season 4, the actor who played the doctor at the time, David Tennant, left as well. Smith came on board right as Moffat took over, reinvigorating the show.
Capaldi has previously hinted that he might leave the series after season 10, recently telling The Telegraph that "this could be my final year." This timing would make sense, based on the franchise's recent history. Tennant and Smith both retired the character after three seasons. Season 10 will be Capaldi's third year on Doctor Who.
Chris Chibnall, Doctor Who's new showrunner, is known for creating the Tennant-starring murder mystery Broadchurch. He will accept the job with season 11 after Moffat's final season, which will air next year. The only piece of Doctor Who we'll be getting in 2016 is this year's Christmas special.