Peter Capaldi will stand down from Doctor Who in the show's 2017 Christmas special.

Capaldi made the surprise announcement on Jo Whiley's BBC Radio 2 show, saying: "One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best.

"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."

Doctor Who: Moffat and Capaldi joke about 'Doctor Mysterio' Christmas special

The 58-year-old actor will return in the 10th series of the relaunched show, starring in 12 episodes starting in April, followed by the Christmas special.

His final series will coincide with that of writer and executive producer Steven Moffat.

Peter Capaldi as the Doctor and Jenna Coleman as his assistant, Clara Oswald, in 'Doctor Who' (BBC)

Moffat said: "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.

"But hey, it's a long way from over. Peter's amazing, fiery, turbulent Doctor is still fighting the good fight, and his greatest adventures are yet to come. Monsters of the universe, be on your guard – Capaldi's not done with you yet!"

Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Show all 10 1 /10 Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Maisie Williams – (left: She'll make a special appearance in Doctor Who, right: Game of Thrones – Arya) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Tobias Menzies (left: Doctor Who – Lieutenant Stepashin, Cold War, right: Game of Thrones – Edmure Tully) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones David Bradley: (left: Doctor Who – William Hartnell, An Adventure through Space and Time; GoT – Walder Frey) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Liam Cunningham (left: Doctor Who – Captain Zhukov, right: Cold War & Got – Davos Seaworth) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Joe Dempsie – (left: Doctor Who - Cline, The Doctor’s Daughter; right: Game of Thrones – Gendry) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Thomas Brodie-Sangster (left: Doctor Who - Tim Latimer, Human Nature/The Family of Blood; right: Ggame of Thrones - Jojen Reed) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Iain Glen (left: Doctor Who – Octavian, Flesh and Stone/The Time of Angels; right: Game of Thrones - Ser Jorah Mormont) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Julian Glover (Doctor Who - Count Scarlioni/Scaroth, City of Death; Game of Thrones - Grand Maester Pycelle BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Dame Diana Rigg (Doctor Who - Mrs. Gillyflower, The Crimson Horror; Game of Thrones - Olenna Tyrell/Queen of Thorns) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Harry Lloyd (Doctor Who – Baines, Human Nature/The Family of Blood; Game of Thrones Viserys Targareyenn) BBC/HBO

Charlotte Moore, director of BBC content, said: "Peter Capaldi will always be a very special Doctor to me; his adventures through time and space started just as I arrived on BBC One.

"He has been a tremendous Doctor who has brought his own unique wisdom and charisma to the role. But, it's not over yet – I know the next series is going to be spectacular."

Capaldi replaced Matt Smith as the Twelfth Doctor.