Matt Smith to leave Doctor Who

Professey Chin

Noooooo

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.

Matt quickly won over fans to be voted Best Actor by Readers of Doctor Who Magazine for the 2010 season. He also received a nod for his first series at the National Television Awards, before winning the Most Popular Male Drama Performance award in 2012.

Matt has played one of the biggest roles in TV with over 77 million fans in the UK, USA and Australia alone!

Matt Smith says: "Doctor Who has been the most brilliant experience for me as an actor and a bloke, and that largely is down to the cast, crew and fans of the show. I'm incredibly grateful to all the cast and crew who work tirelessly every day, to realise all the elements of the show and deliver Doctor Who to the audience. Many of them have become good friends and I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last four years.

Having Steven Moffat as show runner write such varied, funny, mind bending and brilliant scripts has been one of the greatest and most rewarding challenges of my career. It's been a privilege and a treat to work with Steven, he's a good friend and will continue to shape a brilliant world for the Doctor.

The fans of Doctor Who around the world are unlike any other; they dress up, shout louder, know more about the history of the show (and speculate more about the future of the show) in a way that I've never seen before, your dedication is truly remarkable. Thank you so very much for supporting my incarnation of the Time Lord, number Eleven, who I might add is not done yet, I'm back for the 50th anniversary and the Christmas special!

It's been an honour to play this part, to follow the legacy of brilliant actors, and helm the TARDIS for a spell with 'the ginger, the nose and the impossible one'. But when ya gotta go, ya gotta go and Trenzalore calls. Thank you guys. Matt."

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, says : "Every day, on every episode, in every set of rushes, Matt Smith surprised me: the way he'd turn a line, or spin on his heels, or make something funny, or out of nowhere make me cry, I just never knew what was coming next. The Doctor can be clown and hero, often at the same time, and Matt rose to both challenges magnificently. And even better than that, given the pressures of this extraordinary show, he is one of the nicest and hardest-working people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Whatever we threw at him - sometimes literally - his behaviour was always worthy of the Doctor.

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!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/Matt-Smith-to-leave-Doctor-Who

misslt

I just saw this and I'm devastated, I thought he was signed up for a few more years

Professey Chin

misslt wrote: »

I just saw this and I'm devastated, I thought he was signed up for a few more years

Same. Thought 1 more series at least

/speculation time

misslt

Chinpool wrote: »

Same. Thought 1 more series at least

/speculation time

I wonder will it be john hurt...

G.K.

I swear he was signed up for a new series?

pixelburp

G.K. wrote: »

I swear he was signed up for a new series?

I was sure of this too, that he had signed up for series 8. The press release did mention 4 years, which would correspond to seasons 5 through to 8. Weird.

Very disappointing news; I had hoped we'd get another couple of years of Matts brilliance; despite being sceptical about the casting at first, I genuinely think he is the best Doctor.of the 3 in the new series

Guess the tattle begins now!

Das Kitty

I sort of expected it to be honest. He's been doing a lot more things between shooting runs in the past year or so, and lets face it the schedule is completely knackering. Going to miss him.

As for the speculation beginning... did it ever stop? :pac:

Professey Chin

Maybe Tennant isnt just back for a special :pac:

/sh1t stirring

sassa

Chinpool wrote: »

Maybe Tennant isnt just back for a special :pac:

/sh1t stirring

did you hear that?? that's the sound of a million fan girls hearts screaming with joy at that idea ...... (I may or may not be one of them :P)
Really think it's good for the show he's leaving now don't think there's much further they could take matts incarnation of the doctor.

Das Kitty

Chinpool wrote: »

Maybe Tennant isnt just back for a special :pac:

/sh1t stirring

Don't even joke :pac:

The fall of the eleventh at Trenzalore then?

pixelburp

Das Kitty wrote: »

I sort of expected it to be honest. He's been doing a lot more things between shooting runs in the past year or so, and lets face it the schedule is completely knackering. Going to miss him.

As for the speculation beginning... did it ever stop? :pac:

I'm fairly sure there were mutterings and pointers that Smith would be around for series 8 though, which is why I'm a tad confused. I agree about the schedule stuff mind you, he does seem to have more films on the boil atm.

So I guess in the coming weeks we can look forward to the tabloid "exclusives" that this time, no really, the next doctor would be a woman. That one got trotted out every other time afterall, along with all the other bigname rumours

As was mentioned in another thread, the trick might be to look at the talented actors bubbling away in theatre and bitparts on TV; Tennant & Smith both came from relative obscurity, I imagine #12 will be the same.

Feck, number 12. The doctors song is nearly ended, for real this time... I have a sad...

Das Kitty

pixelburp wrote: »

I'm fairly sure there were mutterings and pointers that Smith would be around for series 8 though, which is why I'm a tad confused. I agree about the schedule stuff mind you, he does seem to have more films on the boil atm.

So I guess in the coming weeks we can look forward to the tabloid "exclusives" that this time, no really, the next doctor would be a woman. That one got trotted out every other time afterall, along with all the other bigname rumours

As was mentioned in another thread, the trick might be to look at the talented actors bubbling away in theatre and bitparts on TV; Tennant & Smith both came from relative obscurity, I imagine #12 will be the same.

Feck, number 12. The doctors song is nearly ended, for real this time... I have a sad...

I'd be astounded if they kept the 12 regenerations maximum thing. They'll write their way out of it (or ignore it).

I actually think it was Matt himself who said in interview that he'd be back for series 8. Rule One, eh?!

(I feel I should be sadder about this, considering how much I love 11)

Professey Chin

I thought the 12 regenerations thing was already written off before?

Coldzone

I seen someone say this on Facebook and thought that they were just trying to wind people up

I'm also devastated at this news. Its just wrecked my saturday night now

McLoughlin

Why do people keep bringing up the 12 regenerations limit ? It was mentioned on TV 30 years ago that Time Lords could received a new set of regenerations after the "final one" .

As for Smith leaving its a shame he could have had a few good more years left and that's Christmas day spoiled.

Daemos

Das Kitty wrote: »

I'd be astounded if they kept the 12 regenerations maximum thing. They'll write their way out of it (or ignore it).

Yeah, there was a report a few years ago that said the BBC were quietly ditching the idea of a regeneration limit

Sad to see Matt go, but Doctor Who will do what it always does, and adapt with a new man in the role

Coldzone

Daemos wrote: »

Yeah, there was a report a few years ago that said the BBC were quietly ditching the idea of a regeneration limit

Sad to see Matt go, but Doctor Who will do what it always does, and adapt with a new man in the role

This is gonna start months of John Hurt taking over speculation

pixelburp

McLoughlin wrote: »

Why do people keep bringing up the 12 regenerations limit ? It was mentioned on TV 30 years ago that Time Lords could received a new set of regenerations after the "final one" .

As for Smith leaving its a shame he could have had a few good more years left and that's Christmas day spoiled.

Not for the Beeb it ain't; this almost guarantees crazy ratings for them. And with the international markets so keen on Who, it'll be a big day for them overall. It's actually the smartest way to bow out.

All I hope is that the regeneration story is better than the last one :eek: and the doctors death is a bit more epic than the booth o' radiation, followed by the 10 minutes of moping!

Only thing that might temper my upset would be news of a Vastra spinoff. Come on universe!

Das Kitty

Oh god, the last regeneration was wojus. You shouldn't be watching a Doctor go and wishing he'd hurry the feck up about it.



I'm hoping for an epic 'death' in battle. Either that or he finally trips over his shoelaces and hits his head on a sharp corner, which would probably be more fitting for ole spaghetti legs.

Professey Chin

I expect a final moment/act involving a Geronimo

BuffyBot

I'm fairly sure there were mutterings and pointers that Smith would be around for series 8 though, which is why I'm a tad confused. I agree about the schedule stuff mind you, he does seem to have more films on the boil atm.

Nothing like a bit of disinformation to keep the mystery going.

Gulliver

I'm gutted. Matt really grew on me, even though I hated him at the start.

I'd like to see Brian Cox, Richard Ayoade or Bill Bailey as the next Doctor.

DerekDGoldfish

Gulliver wrote: »

I'm gutted. Matt really grew on me, even though I hated him at the start.

I'd like to see Brian Cox, Richard Ayoade or Bill Bailey as the next Doctor.

There is no way he would describe time as wibbly wobbly timey wimey he would spend the entire series discussing the nature of time and string theory.

*assuming of course you meant Brian Cox the science loving former member of Dream and not the old english actor who previously played Hanibal Lecter*

OU812

My friend's cousin is a runner on the show, he was saying this morning because of the growing US market, that they're thinking of going with an upcoming US actor to take the role. Some soap star called Jonathon Jackson is one of the names being bandied about. Wouldn't mind seeing Robert Sheehan in the role if they were internationally casting.

pixelburp

Das Kitty wrote: »

Oh god, the last regeneration was wojus. You shouldn't be watching a Doctor go and wishing he'd hurry the feck up about it.

I remember watching that with the family, some of whom are also Who fans, and we were groaning at each scene change, shouting at the telly to "get on with it"

Das Kitty wrote: »

I'm hoping for an epic 'death' in battle. Either that or he finally trips over his shoelaces and hits his head on a sharp corner, which would probably be more fitting for ole spaghetti legs.

I think they should take a leaf out of Caves of Androzani's book and keep things simple, personal even. The doctor was poisoned and in a literal race against time to save his & Peris life (of course sacrificing himself twice in the process). Far more epic than a contrived death by science-magic.

BuffyBot

..and at least it's not going to be dragged out for ages like 10. No sentimental claptrap, please.

flazio

I'm not as gutted as I thought I would be at the news. I am very sad to see him off, but for me this past half season hasn't really caught me as much as the Pond run. I'm not completely sold on the Smith/Colman combination. It'll be interesting to see where they go with this. Will they lay to rest all the tropes of the Smith era such as the Pastenostor Row gang, River, the kookiness of the character (I really hope not).
I have to say, I'm finding it harder and harder to see where the story can go from here so perhaps some new blood is just what we need now.

Wrexis

It's time really, while I love Smith, the writing hasn't been great the last season.

I feel his arc is over now anyway. Hopefully Moffat will be re-invigorated by a new actor.

flazio

McLoughlin wrote: »

Why do people keep bringing up the 12 regenerations limit ? It was mentioned on TV 30 years ago that Time Lords could received a new set of regenerations after the "final one" .

As for Smith leaving its a shame he could have had a few good more years left and that's Christmas day spoiled.

Thanks to Russell T Davies the regen limit has been extended to 507

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9D-2HJMD9s

Wrexis

What? 507? That's going to cause some serious problems in 1000 years or so, they need to address that soon.

McLoughlin

Wrexis wrote: »

What? 507? That's going to cause some serious problems in 1000 years or so, they need to address that soon.

507 was a joke by Russell T Davies

old hippy

I liked Matt Smith but he wasn't served by the best stories. I'd like to see Patterson Joseph or Ben Wishaw in the role...

It's not going to be John Hurt. Just the November special for him.

pixelburp

McLoughlin wrote: »

Why do people keep bringing up the 12 regenerations limit ? It was mentioned on TV 30 years ago that Time Lords could received a new set of regenerations after the "final one" .

I don't doubt that if the show is still mega-popular, the BBC will strong-arm the writers into dispensing with the regeneration limit (and certainly Who has never been more popular in the USA), but for the time being, and until the main show - a passing joke in SJA doesn't count! - acknowledges this, I'm operating under the assumption 12 is the limit

Wrexis wrote: »

What? 507? That's going to cause some serious problems in 1000 years or so, they need to address that soon.

As above, that line was clearly a joke by the Doctor / RTD, I wouldn't pay much heed to it. In fact, in my paranoid mind it was a joke by RTD to drop Moffat into continuity hot water in the future

Coutinho 10

Now that Matt Smith is leaving what If John Hurt is the Doctor then the 12 regenerations may have happened already with Matt being the 12th and final in that line of regenerations!

The 50th anniversary Doctor Who special is maybe the way to kill two birds with one stone.

Getting a new Doctor in place and also getting rid of the 12 regenerations by rebooting the whole series and having a fresh slate for the next season.

The return of Gallifrey and the Timelords and getting rid of the unseen Time War could open up a whole lot of new story lines.

gufnork

OU812 wrote: »

My friend's cousin is a runner on the show, he was saying this morning because of the growing US market, that they're thinking of going with an upcoming US actor to take the role. Some soap star called Jonathon Jackson is one of the names being bandied about. Wouldn't mind seeing Robert Sheehan in the role if they were internationally casting.

I'm not at all sure how I feel about an American actor. I know there's no reason why not exactly, and I can't quite put my finger on what's bugging me about it either, but something simply doesn't sit right with me on that one. Also, I'd really like to see a male companion at some point. Nothing wrong with Clara of course or any of the others either, would just be nice.

gufnork

Coutinho 10 wrote: »

Now that Matt Smith is leaving what If John Hurt is the Doctor then the 12 regenerations may have happened already with Matt being the 12th and final in that line of regenerations!

The 50th anniversary Doctor Who special is maybe the way to kill two birds with one stone.

Getting a new Doctor in place and also getting rid of the 12 regenerations by rebooting the whole series and having a fresh slate for the next season.

The return of Gallifrey and the Timelords and getting rid of the unseen Time War could open up a whole lot of new story lines.

This is a good point. Wouldn't surprise me at all if this comes to pass.

BuffyBot

It will be quite nice to have a new doctor/established companion dynamic again though, I think.

Cyndaquil

No! I was hoping for another season at least.

To paraphrase Doc 10 'I don't want him to go'.

Seriously I liked Tennant but I wasn't this disappointed when his departure was announced.

Mind you 11's 'death' seems to have been hinted at in someway or another every season bar his first...

Killer_banana

I was sure I had heard Matt Smith had confirmed at least one more season. I am so glad that was misinformation because I really feel it's time for him to go. I'm not as into the show as I once was and while a lot of that is due to Moffat's writing I also everything can could be done with eleven has been done. He's verging on stale as it is, staying another season would kill it I think.

I do wish Moffat were leaving but I think he will be here for a long long time.

I don't know who I would like for the next Doctor. I have mixed feelings about the idea of a female Doctor (not saying it will happen but as already said it's gonna be mentioned) but if it does happen it would have to be because they found an actress who can really bring something different to the role and not just for the sake of it. I do really like the idea of Amanda Tapping in the role but I've been watching a load of Stargate recently so that could be an awful idea for all I know. The idea of Clara being taken unawares by a regeneration only for The Doctor to become a woman would be fun to watch though.

gufnork

I'd like to see someone older in the role now. I'm talking 'pensioner' old, a William Hartnell type. That'd be cool.

Basq

Only hearing this news now...

... am gutted!

Duggys Housemate

The fall of the 11th apparantly will happen at trenzalore. Moffat thinks ahead.

ixoy

Ah by Zodin's sword Easily my favourite Doctor of the re-launched series and one of my favourite out of all the Doctor's, I've greatly enjoyed his mix of energy, amazing comic timing, and yet the same time to put gravitas into the role (particularly in the later seasons).

Yes Season 33 wasn't the best but really need to separate out the Doctor from the scripts. Smith could still do loads more years with fresh scripts. Tom Baker kept going for years and it helped they mixed up some of the styles of stories during his run.

What I'd love to see, if this must happen, is an older Doctor. One without the tiring love interest angle as well as throwing in a male companion (I think there's never been just a male companion) or maybe a male/female combo without any love angle (Harry / Sarah , Tegan /Turlough etc). Some of those being suggested in the paper are terrible ideas. Some are just being too PC and others I wouldn't want (no thank you Russell Tovey, you're just not that good). Idris Elba though, as one suggestion, does interest me.

Still though - Boo! Whoever is next is going to have a difficult time topping Smith's performance for me.

Basq

ixoy wrote: »

Still though - Boo! Whoever is next is going to have a difficult time topping Smith's performance for me.

True.. but I said the same thing about Tennant... and was left very un-easy after that atrocious regeneration, but he delivered in spades.

While I've been disappointed by the latest season, Smith always puts in 110%.

Big shoes to fill though alright

Killer_banana

Count me in as someone who wants an older Doctor with a male companion.

gufnork

ixoy wrote: »

What I'd love to see, if this must happen, is an older Doctor. One without the tiring love interest angle as well as throwing in a male companion (I think there's never been just a male companion) or maybe a male/female combo without any love angle (Harry / Sarah , Tegan /Turlough etc)...

yeah, you took the words right out of my mouth. I feel it's time for another William Hartnell, and yes, lets please dispense with the constant flirting with young female companions. A male companion to an older doctor is what I'd like to see right now.

Cyndaquil

Well, however he goes, I just hope as he regenerates we get one final triumphant blast of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx6YVAUY620

Best theme ever...

Killer_banana

After Tennant's never ending regeneration I hope this one is a lot subtler and understated.

BuffyBot

Alas, he's now changing bedpans in Casualty (although it's filmed in Cardiff too :P), I really would of liked to have seen Clyde from the Sarah Jane Adventures get a spin in the TARDIS. I think he would of made a pretty good companion.

pixelburp

OU812 wrote: »

My friend's cousin is a runner on the show, he was saying this morning because of the growing US market, that they're thinking of going with an upcoming US actor to take the role. Some soap star called Jonathon Jackson is one of the names being bandied about. Wouldn't mind seeing Robert Sheehan in the role if they were internationally casting.

Lol, where to begin with that! I call shenanigans on your friend's cousin; aside from my skepticism that a runner would be privy to something akin to a State Secret in the BBC, there's no way they're that daft to make a quintessentially British Sci-Fi icon an American. They didn't even do it for the infamous Paul McGann TV movie.

Hell, even when other British icons are transplanted to the US - see 'Elementary', the recent Sherlock Holmes series - the nationality persists. And they certainly wouldn't look to American soap-operas for inspiration: my god have you ever watched them? You don't realise how lucky we are with our own until you watch American soaps...

As for who it could be, I would suggest there's nothing wrong with a young Doctor, that instead perhaps they tag him up with an older companion; maybe include 2 companions & a younger person for balance, but a member of the crew who are themselves older would make for a nice dynamic. See the Big Finish dramas and their pairing of the 6th Doctor with a university professor in her 60s; made for great dialogue.

brianon

Totally gutted. I was sure he was back for (at least) one more season

I am unsure as to how to break this news to my 6 year old daughter. She's gonna be in tears for sure. She has grown up with Matt Smith (well she is only 6). Her love for Doctor Who started with Amy Pond and she is now a huge fan. Watches about two random episodes a day. I read her Doctor Who books at night. I hope at least Coleman stays on.

Matt Smith has been fantastic. Yes, some episodes have been a little lacking but I find repeated viewing has helped every episode. I was so excited for Season 7 part II (Christmas 2012 onwards) and never felt that Coleman & Smith really totally hit it off. Although there were times i think that was just down to the story/script.

Man, this has really ruined my day. Chin up though. Hopefully #12 can (like most of the Doctors) make us not forget the previous, but love the new and forever fondly remember their predecessor.

*Was holding out buying the blu-rays but gonna pick up Season 7(pt II) asap.