Peter Capaldi Ending Doctor Who Run, James Bond Actor Reportedly A Favorite To Replace Him

[UPDATE] According to Entertainment Weekly, the UK-based bookmakers William Hill are giving James Bond actor Ben Whishaw 6/1 odds that he'll replace Capaldi to become the new doctor. Others odds are for Richard Ayoade (8/1), Rory Kinnear (8/1), and Rupert Grint (8/1).

No offficial casting announcements have been made, however.

The original story is below.

Actor Peter Capaldi announced today that he is stepping away from Doctor Who this year. Speaking on BBC Radio, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Capaldi said he's had a great time on the show and thanked everyone involved in it.

"One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best," the actor said. "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."

Capaldi will leave Doctor Who as its 12th doctor after the Christmas 2017 special, at which time showrunner Steven Moffat will also leave the show. Capaldi's run as the lead started in 2013.

"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," Moffat said.

Moffat is being replaced by Chris Chibnall.

In other Doctor Who news, the spinoff show, Class, is set to premiere this year--watch a trailer here. It is Doctor Who's third spinoff, following Torchwood and the children's show The Sarah Jane Adventures, both of which ran until 2011.