Source:
BBC [follow link for complete press release]
BBC: Matt Smith announces he is to leave Doctor Who
Saturday 1 June 2013
The
BBC is today announcing that
Matt Smith is to leave
Doctor Who after four incredible years on the hit
BBC One show.
Matt first stepped into the
TARDIS in 2010 and will leave the role at the end of this year after starring in the unmissable 50th Anniversary in November and regenerating in the Christmas special. During his time as the Doctor,
Matt has reached over 30 million unique UK viewers and his incarnation has seen the show go truly global. He was also the first actor to be nominated for a
BAFTA in the role...
... But great actors always know when it's time for the curtain call, so this Christmas prepare for your hearts to break, as we say goodbye to number Eleven. Thank you
Matt - bow ties were never cooler.
Of course, this isn't the end of the story, because now the search begins. Somewhere out there right now - all unknowing, just going about their business - is someone who's about to become the Doctor. A life is going to change, and
Doctor Who will be born all over again! After 50 years, that's still so exciting!"
Having starred alongside three different companions, Amy Pond (
Karen Gillan), Rory Williams (
Arthur Darvill) and most recently Clara Oswald (
Jenna Coleman),
Matt's Doctor has fought Daleks and Cybermen, as well as Weeping Angels in New York. Regularly heard shouting 'run' and 'Geronimo', through
Matt's Doctor fans have been introduced to a new culinary combination - fish fingers and custard!
Matt's spectacular exit is yet to be revealed and will be kept tightly under wraps. He will return to BBC One screens in the unmissable 50th anniversary episode on Saturday 23rd November 2013 - TUNE IN!
We’ll have exclusive quotes from
Jenna on this site tomorrow and a special video from
Matt - coming soon!