The TARDIS will soon be piloted by a new Doctor now that Peter Capaldi has announced he’ll be leaving “Doctor Who” at the end of this year.

Capaldi replaced Matt Smith (currently starring in Netflix’s “The Crown”) as the immortal Time Lord in the long-running BBC sci-fi series, which premiered in 1963. Although Capaldi is the twelfth Doctor — thanks to the show’s brilliant premise that allows the Doctor to regenerate into a new form, and thus allow new actors to take on the role — but the Doctor has actually been portrayed by more than 12 actors over the years, with the late John Hurt having played a future incarnation (the “War Doctor”) in a 2013 special.

Capaldi, who took on the role in 2014, announced his impending departure on Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 2 show on Monday, revealing that the upcoming season will be his last.

“One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best. From our brilliant crew and creative team working for the best broadcaster on the planet, to the viewers and fans whose endless creativity, generosity and inclusiveness points to a brighter future ahead,” said Capaldi, as reported by BBC. “I can’t thank everyone enough. It’s been cosmic.”

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Capaldi’s final season will also coincide with the final season for writer/exec producer Steven Moffat (“Sherlock”), who’ll be replaced as showrunner by Chris Chibnall for season 11.

“For years before I ever imagined being involved in ‘Doctor Who’, or had ever met the man, I wanted to work with Peter Capaldi. I could not have imagined that one day we’d be standing on the TARDIS together,” added Moffat. “Like Peter, I’m facing up to leaving the best job I’ll ever have, but knowing I do so in the company of the best, and kindest and cleverest of men, makes the saddest of endings a little sweeter. But hey, it’s a long way from over. Peter’s amazing, fiery, turbulent Doctor is still fighting the good fight, and his greatest adventures are yet to come. Monsters of the universe, be on your guard — Capaldi’s not done with you yet!”

Capaldi will return for his final 12-episode season in April, when he’ll be joined by new companion Pearl Mackie (Bill) and former “Little Britain” star Matt Lucas (Nardole). Capaldi’s final appearance as the Doctor will take place in the 2017 “Doctor Who” Christmas Special, when the character will regenerate into a new actor yet to be revealed.