Peter Capaldi has confirmed that he will leave Doctor Who at the end of the show's current run.
The Scots actor confirmed on a special Evening in with Peter Capaldi radio show that he will be bowing out to make way for a new Doctor.
Capaldi's casting was announced in August 2013 in a special BBC programme hosted by Zoë Ball.
The 58-year-old Glasgow-born star became the 12th Doctor as a lifelong fan of the series.
The legendary sci-fi drama is the Beeb’s biggest-selling programme overseas, earning an estimated £60million a year.
But last year it emerge viewing figures had plunged below four million.
In December the star was reportedly in a pay wrangle with the BBC that was expected to decide if he quits the Tardis for good.
The actor earns an estimated £400,000 a year for the role.
But former Doctor David Tennant was pocketing £500,000 a year when he took on the role in 2005 and it was claimed a “modest” rise would persuade him to stay.
He said: "I feel it’s time to move on."
He added: "One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best.
"From our brilliant crew and creative team working for the best broadcaster on the planet, to the viewers and fans whose endless creativity, generosity and inclusiveness points to a brighter future ahead.
"I can't thank everyone enough. It's been cosmic."
Speculation has already started about who might take over the role form Capaldi, with Ben Whishaw being named a favourite by bookmakers.
Capaldi first appeared as the Doctor in a cameo in the 50th anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor before appearing in the 2013 Christmas special, The Time of the Doctor.
Peter Capaldi becomes Doctor Who number 12
He had previously played Lobus Caecilius in the 2008 episode The Fires of Pompeii with the Tenth Doctor and his companion Donna Noble, as well as playing civil servant John Frobisher in the 2009 spin-off Torchwood: Children of Earth.
He had originally been asked to audition for the role of the Eighth Doctor in 1995 prior to the production of a 1996 TV film but he said he didn't go.
"I loved the show so much, and I didn't think I would get it, and I didn't want to just be part of a big cull of actors," he said.
The actor will return in the 10th series of the relaunched show, with 12 episodes starting in April, followed by the festive special when the regeneration will take place.
Capaldi's final series also marks writer and executive producer Steven Moffat's last.
Moffat said: "For years before I ever imagined being involved in Doctor Who, or had ever met the man, I wanted to work with Peter Capaldi.
"I could not have imagined that one day we'd be standing on the Tardis together.
"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.
"But hey, it's a long way from over. 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!"
The new series of the BBC show will see the Time Lord joined by new companion Pearl Mackie (Bill), and Matt Lucas (Nardole) with stars including David Suchet and Michelle Gomez making guest appearances.
Director of BBC content Charlotte Moore said: "Peter Capaldi will always be a very special Doctor to me; his adventures through time and space started just as I arrived on BBC One.
"He has been a tremendous Doctor who has brought his own unique wisdom and charisma to the role. But, it's not over yet - I know the next series is going to be spectacular."
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