Doctor Who - Series 10 To Be Peter Capaldi's Last & Other News

It's been an interesting and sad few days for fans of Doctor Who as the latest series of news has hit us all.

First of all, it was announced yesterday in a radio interview with Jo Whiley that Peter Capaldi will be stepping down from the role of the Doctor. Capaldi confirmed on the air that the upcoming Christmas special will be his last episode, confirming months of speculation that he would be leaving the series. Back in November, the Mirror posted rumours of his departure and now it's been confirmed. I can't pretend that I'm surprised because I definitely saw it coming a mile off and while I do like Peter in the role, I can't help thinking it's better for Chris Chibnall's era to be a whole jumping on point again for viewers. As to whom the new Doctor will be, expect an announcement before the summer starts.

Meanwhile the upcoming tenth series continues to be filmed. Episodes 6 and 7 have been written by Steven Moffat and Peter Harness and will feature the return of Michelle Gomez's Missy with Daniel Neitteim (The Zygon Invasion/The Zygon Inversion) directing them. Episodes 8 and 10 will be written by Toby Whithouse and Mark Gatiss respectively, helmed by Wayne Che Yip (who directed Detained and The Metaphysical Engine, Or What Quill Did for Class) while Steven Moffat will pen the two part finale with Rachel Talalay rumoured to be directing the episode. Michelle Gomez will also be reappearing in either the finale or Christmas special as Missy. As for the fates of Bill Potts and Nardole, nothing has been confirmed yet but I think it's likely both characters will also be leaving at Christmas with Capaldi's Doctor and Steven Moffat. Meanwhile, Mark Gatiss has also confirmed that his episode will see the return of the Ice Warriors in a story set on Mars.

In very sad news though, over the weekend it was announced that John Hurt, who played the War Doctor in the 50th anniversary episode, The Day Of The Doctor has sadly passed away. The actor best known for his roles in The Elephant Man and The Naked Civil Servant, amongst many died at the age of 77 from cancer. An amazing actor, Hurt will be deeply missed by everyone. He might have played the Doctor for a brief and important special but it was one of many roles in which he left a lasting impact on viewers with.

Peter Capaldi Departure: http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-38805151
John Hurt Obituary: http://www.playbill.com/article/john-hurt-two-time-oscar-nominee-is-dead-at-77

Series 10 of Doctor Who will air on BBC1 and BBCAmerica from April 15th. Filming will be finished from late March and I will do a 13th Doctor list in a bit.