Cast member Peter Capaldi poses at a press line for "Doctor Who" during the 2015 Comic-Con International Convention in San Diego, California, July 9, 2015.
Cast member Peter Capaldi poses at a press line for "Doctor Who" during the 2015 Comic-Con International Convention in San Diego, California, July 9, 2015. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

“Doctor Who” star Peter Capaldi may or may not leave the show after season 10. The current titular star has said he was asked to stay after showrunner Steven Moffat’s exit in 2017, but he has not decided yet if he is ready to pass on the TARDIS to a 13th Doctor.

Speaking to Wales Onlines, the 58-year-old Scottish actor has admitted he wanted to put off deciding on whether he would stay as the Twelfth Doctor or pass the role onto a new actor.

“I have been asked to stay on and I haven’t made my mind up about that yet, mainly because I don’t want to have to make that decision,” he said. “I’m trying to avoid it!”

Starring in the UK’s longest-running sci-fi series takes a lot of time, but Capaldi isn’t complaining. As a proven Whovian, he is grateful for the rare opportunity to hold the title of the Gallifreyan Time Lord. However, he is also aware that he cannot hold the position forever.

“It’s special. I’m lucky enough to be in touch with other Doctors, and we all agree how extraordinary it is to be in this position,” he said. “To decide to leave is a tough decision for everybody. [It was] very tough for Steven, so I’m just putting it off as long as possible.”

He added, “It’s so delightful to be in this position. People aren’t really seeing me anymore. They see Doctor Who, so it’s a fantastic place to be. It’s also finite, so I’m enjoying as it unfolds.”

Steven Moffat, who took over the show-running duties from Russell T Davies in 2010, will be stepping down after 2017’s 10th season. He will be replaced by “Broadchurch” creator Chris Chibnall. As Moffat started with a clean slate with a new Doctor (Matt Smith) and new companions, it was reported that Chibnall would do the same. Recent rumour even claimed that Capaldi would be replaced by a younger actor.

Read more: ‘Doctor Who’ season 11: Peter Capaldi to be replaced by ‘dashing’ younger actor

The Doctor will watch the ‘Doctor Who’ Christmas special at home

In the meantime, Capaldi will be watching the show’s Christmas special “from behind the sofa.” As he explained to the paper, it’s a Christmas Day tradition in his household to watch the special, and this started even before he was the Doctor.

“Little did I know I was going to be playing that role – and now I have to watch it! I’d be depriving the family of one of the cornerstones of the day if I didn’t.

Capaldi has one daughter, 23-year-old Cecily, with wife Elaine Collins.

In this year’s Christmas special, “The Return of Doctor Mysterio,” the Doctor teams up with Nardole (returning guest star Matt Lucas), a reporter (Charity Wakefield) and a superhero called The Ghost (Justin Chatwin) to fight aliens. It will be released in cinemas in Australia and New Zealand on Dec. 26.

“Doctor Who” season 10 will return in April.

Watch the trailer of ‘Doctor Who’ Christmas special ‘The Return of Doctor Mysterio’

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