Eager "Doctor Who" fans can finally exhale now that the secret has been revealed: Peter Capaldi will be the twelfth Doctor Who. Capaldi will replace Matt Smith as the Time Lord after Smith's three-year run as the Doctor. The big reveal was announced on a live BBC special on Sunday, which was hosted by British television personality Zoe Ball.
"It's so wonderful not to keep this secret any longer, but it's been so fantastic," Capaldi said after the big reveal. "Being asked to play the Doctor is an amazing privilege. Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight. I can't wait to get started."
Outgoing Doctor Matt Smith had a pre-recorded message for the new commander of the TARDIS. "I wish my successor all the best and say good luck and good on you for getting it, because I know he's both a huge fan of the show and a really nice guy," Smith said.
The 55-year-old Scottish actor hails from Glasgow, and is best known for playing the sardonically profane political insider Malcolm Tucker in the BBC series "The Thick of It." The UK comedy series created by Armando Iannucci focuses on the inner-workings of the British government. Capaldi is known for expertly delivering sarcastic, expletive-ridden insults in the series, which quickly made his character a fan favorite. The hit show also spawned a feature film spin-off titled "In the Loop," in which Capaldi reprised the role of Malcolm.
Capaldi is also known for his many film, television and stage roles. He was featured in the 1983 film "Local Hero" alongside Burt Lancaster, and in the zombie flick "World War Z" with Brad Pitt. He also won an Oscar in 1994 for his short film "Franz Kafka's It's A Wonderful Life." According to BBC News, Capaldi was also in Doctor Who-- he played the smaller role of the Roman merchant Caecilius in the 2008 episode "Fires of Pompeii."
After a string of young doctors, (Matt Smith, David Tennant,) the 12th iteration of the Doctor will harken back to earlier Doctors, who were of a more advanced age. BBC News reports that Capaldi is the same age as the first Doctor, William Hartnell, who was also 55 when he was cast in the role in 1963.
Steven Moffat, the executive producer and lead writer of the show, said that Capaldi as the the Doctor is an "incendiary combination." Capaldi was reportedly cast as the Doctor after a secret audition at Moffat's house.
Moffat disclosed that he had considered Capaldi as the Doctor in the past, and is thrilled that the time has finally come for Capaldi to play the part.
"One of the most talented actors of his generation is about to play the best part on television," Moffat said.
"We made a home video of [Capaldi] being the doctor and I showed it around and everyone said 'yes, that's the Doctor'," Moffat added.
Capaldi was filming a BBC version of "The Three Musketeers" in Prague when his agent called to tell him that he had nabbed the seminal role.
"I had my phone on silent so I missed the call," Capaldi said. "It was my agent and I rang her up and she said 'hello Doctor.' I haven't stopped laughing since."
Capaldi will begin filming as the Doctor this fall. According to USA Today, Capaldi will make his debut as the new Doctor in the "Doctor Who Christmas Special" at the end of 2013.
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