Peter Capaldi could be leaving Doctor Who at the end of the next series, according to reports.
There is speculation that he will depart the show in 2017 at the same time as current boss Steven Moffat to allow incoming chief Chris Chibnall to choose his own Doctor.
Peter Capaldi could leave at the same time as Steven Moffat (Ian West/PA)
The Mirror quoted an unnamed BBC source who said: “Bosses are already discussing a fresh start when Steven 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.”
The departure of the Doctor at the same time as the executive producer would mirror what happened with Russell T Davies, who departed with 10th Doctor David Tennant.
A similar move occurred with Russell T Davies and David Tennant (PA)
A BBC spokeswoman declined to discuss Peter’s contract, but confirmed he was signed up for the duration of series 10.
Broadchurch creator Chris was announced as head writer and executive producer on Saturday following Steven’s decision to step down after six years at the helm.
A Doctor Who Christmas special will screen later this year, while series 10, Steven’s last, is scheduled to be broadcast in 2017, with a new companion on board to replace Jenna Coleman.
Jenna Coleman left the show at the end of series nine (BBC)
Steven said of his departure: “Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m just starting work on the scripts for season 10, but the fact is my timey-wimey is running out.”
He added: “While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the Tardis warm for him.”
He joked: “At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.”
Chris paid tribute to Steven: “He’s been a dazzling and daring showrunner, and hearing his plans and stories for 2017, it’s clear he’ll be going out with a bang. Just to make my life difficult.”
But fans were distraught/angry/sceptical about the rumours.
If the BBC decides to axe Peter Capaldi because they want a "fresh start" then heres what I have to say to them: pic.twitter.com/Khz424vaVZ
— Wu Su Yuan (@juststayinalive) January 26, 2016
As if Whovians haven't suffered enough! Now Peter Capaldi is leaving #DoctorWho with Moffat
— Forever Doctor Who (@_AlyssaWalters_) January 26, 2016
why have the papers somehow interpreted "Steven Moffat is leaving" as "Peter Capaldi is leaving"? how do they mean the same thing?
— rebecca (@AhhMissClara) January 26, 2016
PETER CAPALDI WILL BE THE DOCTOR FOREVER PETER CAPALDI WILL BE THE DOCTOR FOREVER PETER CAPALDI WILL BE THE DOCTOR FOREVER PETER CAPALDI WIL
— it's marta disco (@Martulalala_) January 26, 2016
Steven Moffat leaving, Peter Capaldi leaving, no new Who in 2016, and all seasons leaving Netflix. Is this the apocalypse?! — feeling lost
— Elizabeth Austin (@WinFightFly) January 26, 2016
