Peter Capaldi has been asked by Chris Chibnall to stay on as the iconic Time Lord in 'Doctor Who'.

Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi

The 57-year-old, who is the twelfth actor to play the lead in sci-fi series, has admitted the forthcoming new boss is desperate for him to stay on as the Doctor when he takes over the reins from current writer Steven Moffat next year.

Speaking to the RadioTimes.com, he said: "I've been asked to stay on. But, it's such a long time before I have to make that decision.

"Steven's been absolutely wonderful, so I love working with him. Chris is fantastic, and I think he's a hugely talented guy. I don't know where the show's going to go then."

However, Peter has admitted he will likely stay on for a few more years as he can't bear to turn his back on the show.

He said: "I have to make up my mind, and I haven't yet. As Steven will tell you, it's very difficult to say goodbye."

Meanwhile, tongues were set wagging earlier this year when it was reported Chris had been given free rein to cast anyone he likes as the Doctor in the long-running show.

A source said recently: "Bosses are already discussing a fresh start when Steven Moffat leaves. 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. They hope he will be able to find someone who can have the same impact as Matt Smith did when Steven Moffat kicked off his run as executive producer."

Moffat has worked on series for the last six years after taking on the job as showrunner from Russell T. Davies in 2009 and was given the daunting task of replacing the super-popular Tenth Doctor David Tennant with Smith.