Peter Capaldi's final appearance in 'Doctor Who' will be in the 2017 Christmas special.
Peter Capaldi
The 58-year-old actor has confirmed his third series in the TARDIS as the Twelfth Doctor will be his last and he will bow out to let his replacement regenerate into the role in the festive story.
The adventure will also be current showrunner Steven Moffat's final episode in charge before he hands over control of the sci-fi series to 'Broadchurch' creator Chris Chibnall.
Capaldi's final series begins over Easter weekend on BBC One on Saturday April 15 and this last outing will air on Christmas Day (25.12.17).
Capaldi announced he was leaving during an interview with DJ Jo Whiley - a self-confessed Whovian - on BBC Radio 2.
He said: "I suppose the big thing about [the new series] is it'll be my last. This'll be the end for me. I feel sad - I love 'Doctor Who'. It's a fantastic programme to work on. It's been a huge pleasure to work with ... a family, I can't praise the people I work with more highly.
"I've never worked the same job for three years, and I feel like now is the right time to move on. [But] I'll still be the Doctor for a while."
And life-long 'Doctor Who' fan Capaldi - who took over the part from Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith in 2013 - admitted no other acting job had meant so much to him during his career.
He said: "There's never been anything more special for me. One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best. From our brilliant crew and creative team working for the best broadcaster on the planet, to the viewers and fans whose endless creativity, generosity and inclusiveness points to a brighter future ahead. I can't thank everyone enough. It's been cosmic."
Capaldi will be joined in Series 10 by newcomer Pearl Mackie who portrays unknown companion Bill Potts, Matt Lucas reprising his role as Nardole and Michelle Gomez returning as Time Lady Missy - formerly known as The Master.
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