Actor Peter Capaldi has said that it is an 'amazing privilege' to become the latest star of Doctor Who, succeeding outgoing Time Lord Matt Smith.
The 55-year-old - best known for his role as spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in The Thick Of It - was revealed as the 12th Doctor in a live BBC One show on Sunday night, having previously been the hot favourite for the role.
And the actor - a self-confessed devotee of the show - added: "Even though I'm a lifelong Doctor Who fan, I haven't played Doctor Who since I was nine in the playground."
"Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of terror and utter delight. I can't wait to get started."
Peter added that it had been difficult to keep news of his casting under wraps, even from his family.
"For a while I couldn't tell my daughter who would be looking on the Internet, and saying 'so and so should be playing Doctor Who' - and she was getting upset that they hadn't mentioned me," he said.
"It's so wonderful not to keep this secret any longer, but it's been absolutely fantastic in its own way."
The actor also joked that his Thick Of It alter-ego - who was notorious for his foul-mouthed personality - would not be popular with the Time Lord.
"I think Malcolm has been banished from the mirror by this Doctor Who, who certainly would not put up with any of Malcolm's language or attitude."
Peter will make his debut as the Doctor in the Christmas special, after the current incarnation of the Doctor - played by Matt Smith - regenerates.
Matt will also star in the 50th anniversary episode, due to be screened in November, before making his exit.
