The 12th Doctor is ready to move on from DOCTOR WHO.

It isn’t totally unexpected news, but sad news all the same: Peter Capaldi aka The 12th Doctor just announced his plans to leave Doctor Who at the end of the upcoming season.

“I’m always someone that did different things. I’ve never done one job for three years before and I feel it’s time for me to move on to different challenges,” the Scottish actor told BBC Radio 2 after confirming that the 2017 Christmas special will be his last appearance on the show.

Showrunner Steven Moffat, who is also leaving the show with the upcoming season and will be replaced by Broadchurch showrunner Chris Chibnall, had nothing but kind words to say about his experience with the latest doctor.

“For years before I ever imagined being involved in Doctor Who, or had ever met the man, I wanted to work with Peter Capaldi. 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.”

In the midst of it all, the actor also revealed the new season’s premiere date: April 15, 2017!

In the eyes of some fans, Doctor Who has struggled last season, so maybe some fresh direction, a new Doctor, and the addition of new companion Pearl Mackie can help the show overall.