He announced last week that he would be letting someone new regenerate into Doctor Who following the next season of the show.

And now Peter Capaldi’s on-screen sidekick, Pearl Mackie, has revealed how she feels about the show’s current leading man quitting the series.

Having only been able to work with him for one run of new episodes, Pearl – who plays Bill – has admitted how sad it is to see him go.

Speaking of the time she’s spent on set with him thus far, the 29-year-old told InStyle: ‘I’m very new to camera acting and all the technical stuff and he will always check if I’m okay.

‘We really get into the scenes and he’s very open to my opinions. I’m so sad [that he’s quit] but I’m just happy I got to work with him.

‘He’s such a generous actor.’

Peter wasn’t the only outgoing star to offer up some sage words to the young actress.

‘[Former star Jenna Coleman said] I didn’t need any advice [except] not to eat the faggots in the canteen.’

Having dropped the bombshell overnight last Monday, it wasn’t long before the rumour mill went into over-drive when it came to who would be the thirteenth doctor.

And following his own announcement that he was quitting Death In Paradise after four years, so that he can spend less time away from his family, Kris Marshall was thrust into the mix.

Almost immediately, speculation began to spin on social media as to the real reason Kris Marshall had chosen to quit his role on the hugely popular series.

Avid BBC viewers seem to be under the impression that Marshall is transferring his skills as a Detective to that of the Doctor – and is in the running to play Doctor Who in the wake of Peter’s decision to leave. 

‘Maybe a coincidence but since Doctor Who needs a new lead, interesting that that Kris Marshall has now quit Death in Paradise. New doctor?’ came a theory from one fan.

Another typed ‘Kris marshall should play doctor who…’ as a further tweeter concurred: ‘Kris Marshall will be the 13th Doctor. Calling it. He’d be perfect. #doctorwho!’

The theory proved popular as the news spread that Marshall is leaving the role of Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman.

‘So Kris Marshall leaves #DeathInParadise, just as they’re starting to look for a new #DoctorWho… #Coincidence…?? ;-)’ a fourth person theorised.

‘Huh so Kris Marshall leaves Death in Paradise around the same time Peter Capaldi leaves Doctor Who. Hmm, interesting…’ a fifth wrote.