PETER Capaldi has quit Doctor Who after three years in the leading role.

The actor will step down at the end of the year, with his regeneration expected to be aired in the Christmas Special.

5 Peter Capaldi has quit the role Credit: PA:Press Association

Appearing on Jo Whiley's Radio 2 show tonight, he announced he'd be stepping down as it was "time to move on".

Asked when he planned to leave, Peter said: "I think Christmas 2017 I've just been told.

"But I'm still Doctor Who. I've got a lot to do - we're doing epic stuff. I'm not done yet."

"One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best" he told Jo Whiley.

BREAKING NEWS!

“It (the new series of Doctor Who) will be my last… I feel it’s time to move on.”

- Peter Capaldi

#DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/4gx9rTShPZ — Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) January 30, 2017

"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."

The show's official Twitter page announced the news, writing: "BREAKING NEWS! 'It (the new series of Doctor Who) will be my last… I feel it’s time to move on.' - Peter Capaldi."

5 Peter Capaldi has led the cast for three years Credit: c.brandes@btinternet.com

5 Peter Capaldi will step down at Christmas Credit: BBC

Meanwhile departing Doctor Who boss Steven Moffatt said in a statement: “For years before I ever imagined being involved in Doctor Who, or had ever met the man, I wanted to work with Peter Capaldi."

He added: "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."

5 Peter Capaldi shocked fans with the announcement Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Meanwhile 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. He's a fine actor who I hope we work with again when he leaves the TARDIS".

The 58-year-old star became the twelfth actor to play the Doctor in 2013.

It comes just weeks after the star gushed about the role on The Andrew Marr Show.

He said: "My kind of attitude about it is that I didn't want it to change my life much, but it does. But in as much as my private life goes, it remains much the same.

5 Peter Capaldi was applauded for the role Credit: PA:Press Association

"But when I go out into the world, I can't, you know I don't want to escape the idea that I'm Doctor Who, and it's finite - I won't be Doctor Who forever, so there will be a day when people don't come and say hello."

Asked when he thought that would be, he replied: "Oh, not for a long time, I hope."