Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat says that he is keen to avoid “the embarrassment” of drawing attention to his upcoming exit on the show.

Moffat will step down from the role as lead writer in 2017’s Christmas special, following Season 10 next spring.

Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall will take over as showrunner for 2018’s Season 11.

Speaking to Doctor Who Magazine in the latest issue, Moffat discussed how he’ll approach his last ever episode and whether there would be a ‘victory lap’, like with Russell T Davies’ final episode as showrunner, ‘The End of Time: Part Two’, which revisited a number of popular characters from his era before David Tennant’s Doctor regenerated.

He said: “The departure of a showrunner doesn’t mean anything to the audience. Most of the audience doesn’t know that I exist, so they’d go blank if I attempted to wave goodbye to them. Oh, the embarrassment that would be. So I’m damned if I’m imposing my departure on the show.”

Moffat added: “I just want to do a good one, before I hand over to Chris [Chibnall].”

He has also revealed that he currently believes Peter Capaldi will continue playing the Doctor in Season 11.

Season 10 began production in Cardiff in June, with Pearl Mackie joining Peter Capaldi’s Doctor as new companion Bill and comedian Matt Lucas returning as Nardole.