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MATT SMITH loved treating his Doctor Who replacement to a slap-up lunch.

Matt gave incoming Doctor Peter Capaldi his seal of approval.

The 30-year-old star handed over the reins and offered a few words of advice to the acclaimed Scots actor over a boozy lunch at London’s Wolesley restaurant.

After talking Tardis for more than two hours, he now reckons Peter can become the best Doctor yet.

Matt, who will be killed off by Cybermen in this year’s Christmas special, told how the pair had met up last Friday.

At the Royal Opera House GQ afterparty, he told us: “Yes, I really rate Peter – he’s such an amazing actor and completely right for the part. We went out for lunch last week, in fact, to talk Doctor tactics.

“I’m not sure if I gave him any real ideas as such because it’s not like he needs much help. He will play the Doctor in his own way, and do it brilliantly.

“I really can’t wait to see what he does with the part.”

Matt’s comments come after The Thick Of It star, who will become the 12th incarnation of the telly Time Lord, received some criticism from fans accusing the 55-year-old of being too old for the role.

Shortly after his appointment was announced, fans took to Twitter and various fansites moaning about the decision by writer, Stephen Moffat.

Unlike previous Scots Doctor, David Tennant, the Glasgow-born, award-winning thesp is determined to keep his broad accent. Meanwhile Matt, who presented Noel Gallagher with his Icon gong, arrived at Tuesday night’s lavish bash alongside his sister Laura Jayne.

Showing off his shaven head – as required in his new movie How To Catch A Monster – the quirky star also came face to face with his ex-girlfriend, Daisy Lowe.

Following a slightly awkward embrace, the pair were later seen happily chatting.

Matt’s penultimate Dr Who episode, marking the show’s 50th anniversary, airs on November 23.

It will feature Tennant and Billie Piper, who played Rose, plus John Hurt and Joanna Page.