It’s a time we all dread: the time a Doctor leaves. It’s horrendous; not only are we saying goodbye to an old friend, but we’re also plunging forwards into an uncertain future. It’s also a horrible time for the departing Doctor, of course – a sad but inevitable day which you might regret years later. Or even a week later.
So why, with this in mind, is Peter Capaldi leaving Doctor Who?
Capaldi attended the New York Comic Con this past week, and in a Doctor Who panel, was asked exactly why he’s departing in this Christmas’ Twice Upon A Time. After some consideration, he replied:

“I felt it was time. I never wanted to get to the place where I knew how to do this. You should be constantly challenged on how to play this role. I never wanted to get to the place where I knew how to do this exactly right and I didn’t want to get tired; I could feel myself getting there… I haven’t completed finished yet. There’s still some voice work to do.”

Nonetheless, Capaldi managed to keep an upbeat tone throughout the panel, and is looking forward to Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor.
Though he debuted at the end of 2013’s The Time of the Doctor (though we saw his eyebrows in the previous episode), it still feels too soon for him to go. Especially considering how warmly-received Series 10 was. It was fresh and bold and brilliant.
Oh Peter, we will miss you.