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BBC bosses expect Peter Capaldi to leave Doctor Who after the next series – when writer Steven Moffat also steps down.

The 57-year-old’s tenure as the 12th Doctor is likely to end in 2017.

When new chief Chris Chibnall, who created Broadchurch, begins a new era in series 11, it is thought he will also get to choose his own Time Lord.

A source on the BBC show said: “Bosses are already discussing a fresh start when Steven leaves.

“They’ve been happy with what Peter has brought to the role but some think it might make sense to give Chris his own choice of actor to play the Doctor.

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“They hope he will be able to find someone who can have the same impact as Matt Smith did when Steven Moffat kicked off his run as executive producer.”

The move would mirror what happened when Russell T. Davies – who brought the sci-fi series back in 2005 after 26 years – departed at the same time David Tennant left as the 10th Doctor.

A BBC spokesman said Capaldi was signed up for the 2017 series but beyond that said: “We don’t discuss contracts.”

(Image: PA)

The Mirror revealed on Saturday that Moffat was going.

Speaking of his decision, he said: “It’s the best job in the universe but my timey-wimey is running out.

"While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the Tardis warm for him.

Read more:Next Doctor Who series delayed until 2017 for Moffat's big finale

"It took a lot of gin and tonic to talk him into this, but I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of British Television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into the future.

(Image: Getty)

“Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.”

Last month Capaldi said: “This could be my final year it's terrifying.

"I love Doctor Who but it can be an insular world and I do want to do other things.

“There will come a time when this is over. But I knew that when I started.

"I was thinking about my regeneration scene from the outset. That’s my terrible melancholic nature.

"When you accept the job you know there’ll come a day, inevitably, when you’ll be saying goodbye.”