Peter Capaldi leaving 'Doctor Who' after three seasons

Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Scottish actor Peter Capaldi has announced his upcoming third season on Doctor Who will be his last.

"It [the new series of Doctor Who] will be my last... I feel it's time to move on," the 58-year-old star said in a statement, which was tweeted on the sci-fi show's official account.

"I'm still #DoctorWho! We're doing epic stuff! I'm not done yet!" read another post.

The upcoming, 10th season is to begin in April. Capaldi's final appearance as the titular hero is expected to be in the 2017 Christmas special when the regeneration will take place and another actor will take over the role. The casting has not yet been announced.

"For years before I ever imagined being involved in Doctor Who, or had ever met the man, I wanted to work with Peter Capaldi," Steven Moffat, writer and executive producer, said in a statement. "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!"

Peter confirms he'll be stepping down in Xmas 2017, but
"I'm still #DoctorWho! We're doing epic stuff! I'm not done yet!"
- Peter Capaldi pic.twitter.com/OYqTN7qIws

— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) January 30, 2017