The new star of Doctor Who will be revealed in a special live programme on Sunday, the BBC has announced.

The half-hour show, presented by Zoe Ball, will feature an interview with the new lead, as well as 11th Doctor Matt Smith and executive producer Steven Moffat.

"The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who's taking over the Tardis," Moffat said.

"For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve."

Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor, is on BBC One at 7pm on 4 August.

According to the official announcement, Ball "will unveil the 12th Doctor in the first ever interview in front of a live studio audience set against the backdrop of a swirling vortex, amongst Daleks and the Tardis".

Smith, who has played the Time Lord since 2010, announced in June that he would be bowing out in this year's Christmas special.

The announcement sparked much speculation about who might take over, with Peter Capaldi, Ben Daniels, Rory Kinnear and Ben Whishaw among the bookies' favourites.

Ben Stephenson, BBC drama controller, said: "Amongst all the speculation and betting, there has been lots of fun and intrigue at work as we've been using the codename Houdini as a decoy.

"It's the biggest secret in showbiz, even those working with the new Doctor on other projects at the moment have no idea they are in the presence of the 12th incarnation."

Doctor Who marks its 50th anniversary on 23 November with a special episode, starring Matt Smith, David Tennant and John Hurt as the Doctor.

Billie Piper will return as Rose Tyler, while Jenna Coleman will continue as Clara Oswald.

The episode will also see the return of the Daleks and the Zygons.

The 11 Doctors

1. William Hartnell (1963-1966)

2. Patrick Troughton (1966-1969)

3. Jon Pertwee (1970-1974)

4. Tom Baker (1974-1981)

5. Peter Davison - pictured (1982-1984)

6. Colin Baker (1984-1986)

7. Sylvester McCoy (1987-1996)

8. Paul McGann (1996)

9. Christopher Eccleston (2005)

10. David Tennant (2005-2010)

11. Matt Smith (2010 - 2013)

wrong wrong wrong  >:(

They should only reveal the new doctor as the transformation takes place.  In fact I hate the fact that we know there is going to be a new doctor, it used to be a total surprise

wrong wrong wrong  >:(

They should only reveal the new doctor as the transformation takes place.  In fact I hate the fact that we know there is going to be a new doctor, it used to be a total surprise
Even though I do not watch the current Dr. Who programs, but did in the past (Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee), I agree with you, it adds to the suspense of the series.

wrong wrong wrong  >:(

They should only reveal the new doctor as the transformation takes place.  In fact I hate the fact that we know there is going to be a new doctor, it used to be a total surprise


Agree. I too watched back in the 60's, 70's and early 80's and always loved the surprise transformations. I was watching some reruns of the current series last week and saw when The Doctor transformed from Chris Eccleston to David Tennant. Didn't see it coming!

I honestly thought they'd already announced the new Doctor.  I distinctly remember on the last episode of the season, this vision from Matt Smith and a man stepping from the shadows and it said he was going to be the new doctor.  But I have such a horrible memory, I can't remember who it was....

John Hurt?

I sporadically watch Dr. Who, so I can't really call myself a fan, but I appreciate the series.  I quite like it at times.  I think it's really well acted and written well.

I honestly thought they'd already announced the new Doctor.  I distinctly remember on the last episode of the season, this vision from Matt Smith and a man stepping from the shadows and it said he was going to be the new doctor.  But I have such a horrible memory, I can't remember who it was....

John Hurt?

I sporadically watch Dr. Who, so I can't really call myself a fan, but I appreciate the series.  I quite like it at times.  I think it's really well acted and written well.
I have always fancied Eric Idle as a Dr Who.

I have always fancied Eric Idle as a Dr Who.


Wow .... not a bad choice. I can see that totally working!

The Thick of It actor Peter Capaldi is announced as the new star of BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/69111000/jpg/_69111903_69109658.jpg

Hmmm... Don't know that name.  I'm sure it'll all be fine though.

I honestly thought they'd already announced the new Doctor.  I distinctly remember on the last episode of the season, this vision from Matt Smith and a man stepping from the shadows and it said he was going to be the new doctor.  But I have such a horrible memory, I can't remember who it was....

John Hurt?

I sporadically watch Dr. Who, so I can't really call myself a fan, but I appreciate the series.  I quite like it at times.  I think it's really well acted and written well.


It was John Hurt, but he just said he was The Doctor, not the new one.  Some thing about him existing on another timeline and not taking on the full role of The Doctor.

Anyway...

Not sure I've seen Peter Capaldi in anything.  Definitely haven't seen The Thick of It.