The doctor is clocking out. Matt Smith, who has played the titular character in BBC's "Doctor Who" since 2010, will be exiting the show this year, the network announced. His final TARDIS bow will be the 50th anniversary special in November, however BBC revealed that he will make an appearance in the Christmas special, as well.
Smith wrote on BBC's "Doctor Who" website about his departure:
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"'Doctor Who' has been the most brilliant experience for me as an actor and a bloke, and that largely is down to the cast, crew and fans of the show. I'm incredibly grateful to all the cast and crew who work tirelessly every day, to realise all the elements of the show and deliver 'Doctor Who' to the audience. Many of them have become good friends and I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last four years.
"The fans of 'Doctor Who' around the world are unlike any other; they dress up, shout louder, know more about the history of the show (and speculate more about the future of the show) in a way that I've never seen before, your dedication is truly remarkable. Thank you so very much for supporting my incarnation of the Time Lord, number Eleven, who I might add is not done yet, I'm back for the 50th anniversary and the Christmas special!"
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To read more from Smith, and to hear from writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, check out their statement on the BBC website.