We are already expecting big changes with Doctor Who after the next series airs in 2017 as Steven Moffat is stepping down as show producer and handing over the reigns to Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall.

But reports are now suggesting that Peter Capaldi will exit the show at the same time, with a source close to the BBC allegedly saying that Chibnall will be bringing in his own actor to play the Time Lord.

The source told The Mirror: ‘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.

‘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.’

Capaldi himself also recently suggested that he could depart the role in 2017, pondering: ‘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.’