Matt Smith leaving 'Doctor Who' after 2013 Christmas special?

Credit: BBC

Doctor Who fans both young and old have long engaged in the practice of identifying one Doctor as their Doctor. With eleven Doctors to choose from, it's mildly surprising that, for many fans, Matt Smith ranks as high in the Who canon as he does.

Okay, it's not surprising at all, the man is terrific - blending elements of Patrick Troughton's Second Doctor, Tom Baker's Fourth, and a wild, other-worldly quality all his own. Which is why it's going to be hell on viewers when he leaves. And unfortunately, that might be sooner rather than later.

The Sun is reporting that the 2013 Christmas special will be Smith’s last outing as the intergalactic time-travelling Time Lord, bowing out after four years and nearly three seasons in the role. Smith's contract expires in November, and the understanding is that he likely will not renew. His contract's expiration coincides with the airing of the 50th Anniversary episode, which begins filming next month.

Smith has never been coy about his ambition to give Hollywood a go, having recently filmed the movie How To Catch A Monster alongside Ryan Gosling, for release next year.

According to sources, the Who bosses already have an idea of who they want to replace him, though mum's the word on just who will become the 12th incarnation of the iconic Time Lord. However, while it might seem like a certainty that Smith will depart, BBC has issued a statement implying that nothing is yet set in stone:

“Sorry folks but even we don’t know what’s going to happen at Christmas. It’s not been written yet! But Matt loves the show and is to start filming the unmissable 50th anniversary, and the new series starting on Easter Saturday.”

For his part, Smith discussed the issue on Jonathan Ross's show last week, and while he was effusive in his praise of the series, he refused to confirm or deny his future with the series beyond Christmas 2013.

He said: “I am very happy doing it. I do the anniversary special, then the Christmas special. At the moment it’s 2013 and we will see what 2014 holds.”

However, an insider insists: “Matt has told bosses he wants to bow out at Christmas.”

Via: The Sun