BBC to regenerate Doctor Who

The BBC is looking to replace actor Peter Capaldi who is stepping down from the lead role in its global sci-fi hit Doctor Who after the next season.

Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman in BBC Wales’ long-running sci-fi drama Doctor Who

Capaldi (The Thick of It, In The Loop) joined the drama in 2013, replacing Matt Smith, but has said he will be leaving the show after its 10th season later this year.

Steven Moffat, lead writer and exec producer, is also leaving the series.

“Peter’s amazing, fiery, turbulent Doctor is still fighting the good fight, and his greatest adventures are yet to come. Monsters of the universe, be on your guard – Capaldi’s not done with you yet!” said Moffat.

“Like Peter, I’m facing up to leaving the best job I’ll ever have, but knowing I do so in the company of the best, and kindest and cleverest of men, makes the saddest of endings a little sweeter.”

UK actors Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear and Richard Ayoade have all been cited as potential replacements on the show, which has become a worldwide hit and airs on networks such as BBC America in the US, Bell in Canada and Syfy in Lat Am.

The show, which first aired in 1963, is produced by BBC Cymru Wales in association with BBC Worldwide. It was relaunched in 2005 and spawned a spin-off last year.