Yes, people, it’s a glorious day for Whovians, as the BBC announced live on television today the name of the actor who will be the next Doctor on Doctor Who. As we found out, it will be Peter Capaldi, the veteran Scottish actor and film director best known for his role as Malcolm Tucker in the British television series The Thick of It.

Now, the BBC has released a video of Capaldi making the announcement.

Watch the video here below, along with the video of the live announcement on BBC.

In a press release sent out after the announcement, the BBC confirms that this Doctor will be the Twelfth Doctor (there was some speculation on whether he would be considered the Twelfth Doctor or Thirteenth because of the reveal that John Hurt’s character was a previously unseen Doctor).

In the statement, Capaldi, who takes over for actor Matt Smith, said, “Being asked to play The Doctor is an amazing privilege. Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight. I can’t wait to get started.”

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer said: “It’s an incendiary combination: one of the most talented actors of his generation is about to play the best part on television. Peter Capaldi is in the TARDIS!”

Capaldi will take over for Smith during this year’s Christmas Special. Rumors have been swirling for months that the actor, who previously had a guest spot on Doctor Who (in the episode The Fires Of Pompeii) and Who spin-off Torchwood, would be the next Doctor. Ben Stephenson, Controller at BBC Drama Commissioning, talked about the process of casting Capaldi:

Here’s the official photo, taken by Rankin exclusively this morning, of Peter Capaldi sent out by the BBC.

Who’s excited for Peter Capaldi to be next Doctor?

Video

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