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12th Doctor, Bernard Cribbins, Colin Baker, Doctor Who, Doctor Who Live, Matt Smith, New Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi, Peter Davison, Steven Moffat
Doctor Who Live: Peter Capaldi is the 12th Doctor!
The actor who will play the 12th Doctor was announced tonight during BBC One’s special Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor programme, as Peter Capaldi! The special live show, hosted by Zoe Ball, was a celebration in which The Thick of It actor Peter Capaldi was officially announced as the 12th incarnation of the Time Lord. The 55 year old Scottish actor, who is a also a life long fan of the series, is the oldest actor cast in the role of the Doctor in the modern version of the show. Peter Capaldi will take over as the 12th Doctor when Matt Smith’s 11th incarnation regenerates at Christmas.
The live show featured appearance by former cast members and celebrity fans. Peter Davison (The 5th Doctor) was there in person as well, and Matt Smith, Steven Moffat, Jenna Coleman, and Colin Baker (The 6th Doctor) also contributed via video clips. The wonderful Bernard Cribins (Wilfred Mott) was also there in person, and there were contributions by some of the Doctor’s pervious travelling companions including Anneke Wills (Polly), Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Janet Fielding (Tegan) and Bonnie Langford (Mell). Celebrity fans on the show included Rufus Hound, Liza Tarbuck, and Outnumbered’s Daniel Roche. There were also special video contributions from Professor Robert Winston, Jo Whiley, Professor Stephen Hawkins, Bruno Tonioli, and Professor Brian Cox (who appeared in The Power of Three).
Matt Smith and showrunner Steven Moffat spoke about the 12th Doctor, before Zoe Ball introduced Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor and interviewed him about his new role as the 12th Doctor. Peter Capaldi has appeared in Doctor Who before, in the Fires of Pompeii with David Tennant’s 10th Doctor, and he was also in Torchwood Children of Earth. Recently he played a WHO doctor in the film World War Z.
Speaking to the Official BBC Doctor Who Website, Peter Capaldi spoke about his role as the 12th Doctor: “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. “Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer says : “It’s an incendiary combination: one of the most talented actors of his generation is about to play the best part on television. Peter Capaldi is in the TARDIS! ”Doctor Who companion, Jenna Coleman says “I’m so excited Peter Capaldi is the man taking on the challenge of becoming the Twelfth Doctor. With Steven’s writing and his talent I know we’ll be making an amazing show with an incredible incarnation of number 12. I can’t wait to start this new adventure!” Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One said: “Peter Capaldi has all the genius and versatility…This special programme was simulcast live on BBC America, which made it an extra special event for Doctor Who fans.
Check out the BBC Doctor Who Website for all the latest news about the 12th Doctor
Sci-Fi Jubilee 
I’m really not familiar with Peter Capaldi’s work (looking through his Wikipedia bio, though, it seems he’s been very busy for the past three decades), but based on his strong performances in both “The Fires of Pompei” and “Children of Earth,” he does seem to be a very capable actor. I’m looking forward to what he brings to the role of the Doctor.
I think Peter Capaldi was a good choice for the role of the 12th Doctor. He’s a great actor, and was excellent in The Fires of Pompeii and Children of Earth. Can’t wait to see what his 12th incarnation of the Doctor will be like.
Didn’t think much of the half-hour programme though!
I thought the programme was ok, but the thing I enjoyed most was tweeting along with everyone in the build up to the announcement of the 12th Doctor. It was a lot fun.