Doctor Who Live: Peter Capaldi is the 12th Doctor

by Paul Bowler:

The actor who will play the 12^th Doctor was announced tonight during BBC One’s special Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor program, as Peter Capaldi! The special live show, hosted by Zoe Ball, was a celebration in which The Thick of It actor Peter Capaldi was officially announced as the 12^th incarnation of the Time Lord. The 55 year old Scottish actor, who is a also a life long fan of the series, is the oldest actor cast in the role of the Doctor in the modern version of the show. Peter Capaldi will take over as the 12^th Doctor when Matt Smith’s 11^th incarnation regenerates at Christmas.

The live show featured appearance by former cast members and celebrity fans. Peter Davison (The 5^th Doctor) was there in person as well, and Matt Smith, Steven Moffat, Jenna Coleman, and Colin Baker (The 6^th Doctor) also contributed via video clips. The wonderful Bernard Cribins (Wilfred Mott) was also there in person, and there were contributions by some of the Doctor’s pervious travelling companions including Anneke Wills (Polly), Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Janet Fielding (Tegan) and Bonnie Langford (Mell). Celebrity fans on the show included Rufus Hound, Liza Tarbuck, and Outnumbered’s Daniel Roche. There were also special video contributions from Professor Robert Winston, Jo Whiley, Professor Stephen Hawkins, Bruno Tonioli, and Professor Brian Cox (who appeared in The Power of Three).

Matt Smith and showrunner Steven Moffat spoke about the 12th Doctor, before Zoe Ball introduced Peter Capaldi as the 12^th Doctor and interviewed him about his new role. Peter Capaldi has appeared in Doctor Who before, in “The Fires of Pompeii” with David Tennant’s 10^th Doctor, and he was also in Torchwood Children of Earth. Recently he played a WHO doctor in the film World War Z.

Official Statements

Speaking to the Official BBC Doctor Who Website, Peter Capaldi spoke about his role as the 12^th Doctor: “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: “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: “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: “Peter Capaldi has all the genius and versatility…This special programme was simulcast live on BBC America, which made it an extra special event for Doctor Who fans.”

Check out the BBC Doctor Who Website for all the latest news about the 12th Doctor

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/

DarkMedia contributor Paul Bowler is a self-Confessed Sci-Fi Geek, Doctor Who fan, and Zombie Disposal Expert. He likes movies, comic books, and all things PS3. He likes to write about his interests, would love to write a novel one day, and also enjoys chatting to the many people he has gotten to know on Twitter. When he’s not busy being an Impossible Astronaut, he likes to take a break from his adventures in time and space to enjoy some of his favourite tv shows and movies – preferably with a nice cuppa tea & a sandwich!  You can follow him on Twitter @paul_bowler, or find him at his website, Sci-Fi Jubilee.