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The 59-year-old actor will depart from the show in Twice Upon A Time later this month, when incoming incarnation Jodie Whittaker, 35, will take the reins.

However, before he left, it seemed that Peter wanted to pay tributes to fans, in the sweetest way possible.

Although he couldn’t attend last night’s premiere of the Christmas special, the Scottish actor left press, including express.co.uk, a special goodbye message.

It read: “I’m really sorry I can’t be with you tonight. I’d like to thank all my friends on Doctor Who for sharing their good humour, talent and light with me the past four years.