It has probably been a shock for all fans of the Doctor, when Peter Capaldi announced his dropout of the show live in his interview yesterday night. Since he took over the role from Matt Smith in 2013, he was present as the 12th Doctor ever since. No replacement has been announced for the role yet.

He revealed that the last time he’ll appear in the show will be in this year’s Christmas special.

On Jo Whiley’s Radio 2 show on Monday night Capaldi told her that he feels that “it’s time to move on.”

Peter Capaldi reveals to Jo Whiley that the new series of #DoctorWho will be his last…
Hear the moment now @ https://t.co/CD2NwTuJtz pic.twitter.com/pGKeZpinbo

— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) 30. Januar 2017

I wasn't expecting to regenerate a Doctor this evening! Peter Capaldi announces he's to leave @bbcdoctorwho Xmas 2017 @BBCRadio2 Sobs ??

— Jo Whiley (@jowhiley) 30. Januar 2017

In a statement he said: "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."

Since Capaldi was unveiled as the 12th Doctor he has been much loved and acclaimed in his role as the Time Lord, which is why the announcement that he’ll step down from the show caused many fans to share their sad and disappointed reactions while other ones are already starting to speculate about who will embody the 13th Doctor. Some fans also starting to call for a female replacement.

Farewell Peter Capaldi, your time as The Doctor has been immense. #DoctorWho

— Gravey08 (@Gravey08) 31. Januar 2017

Capaldi feels like He's leaving too soon for me but let's hope he does
Some spectacular things #doctorwho

— The final problem (@Skaro2016) 31. Januar 2017

Please please please Richard Ayoade #DrWho

— A.S.Chambers (@ASChambersUK) January 31, 2017

Doctor Her: Is it time for a female to fly the Tardis? #DoctorWho #capaldi https://t.co/LLV4jHq0Ax pic.twitter.com/TAjBQr5fY4

— Gilly Furmage (@GillyFurmaage) 31. Januar 2017

And Capaldi isn’t the only one leaving the show’s set: It will also be the final season of the executive producer Steven Moffat. Moffat took over the role as an executive producer and head writer in 2010 from Russel T Davis and was responsible for introducing Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi as the 11th and the 12th Doctor.

In a statement, he told BBC “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.” He also praised Peter Capaldi as an “amazing, fiery and turbulent Doctor.”

The new season of Doctor Who will air on BBC on April 15, 2017 after a year’s break.