Doctor Who Season 10 May Air Next Spring According To Peter Capaldi

Peter and kids' birthdays. #dwsr pic.twitter.com/A5z1MNUfQw

— Lucy Crewe (@CreativeCatFX) September 6, 2016

Since its debut in 1963, Doctor Who has become a bonafide pillar of British popular culture. The sci-fi series is one of most well-known in its genre, leaving Doctor Who to wiggle its way into the hearts of millions of fans. So, unsurprisingly, fans were bummed when they learned Season Ten of Doctor Who had been pushed back from its anticipated 2016 release to a 2017 premiere. But fans shouldn't get their sonic screwdrivers in a twist. After all, it looks like Peter Capaldi is saying Doctor Who will return sooner than those fans expected.

Peter Capaldi (12th Doctor) recently commented on the show's return while he visited with fans on-set. Shooting in the UK, Peter posed for pictures with fans, and one bystander captured video of the actor discussing the return of Doctor Who. Peter confirmed it'll be back on air for Christmas before the show "starts again in April."

Peter's words confirmed one piece of news that fans already knew. Rather than premiering this fall, Doctor Who will return to BBC in December for its annual Christmas episode. However, fans weren't sure when Season Ten would finally premiere in its entirety. Some had feared Doctor Who wouldn't air until the fall, but Peter's words indicate the show will get the all-clear in spring. Of course, the actor's words aren't an official confirmation, but Peter does know more about the show's return than most.

Should Doctor Who return in April, the change would help boost the series' popularity. The show has experienced a ratings slip since Matt Smith left the show a few years back, so a spring premiere will pit Doctor Who against fewer primetime shows. And, with the series hot off its Christmas special, fans will be more eager than ever to see Season Ten and its characters.

After all, Season Ten will mark the first time fans meet Bill, the Doctor's new companion. Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) left Doctor Who last season, leaving the Doctor lonelier than ever. The BBC confirmed Pearl Mackie would play the Doctor's new travel buddy earlier this year, and she has since been seen filming on-set. And, what's more, fans are also speculating that Matt Smith may even make a return to the series. While Steven Moffat stressed Season Ten wouldn't be Peter's last, some fans believe the showrunner would be more than happy to see Matt revisit the TARDIS.

Clearly, Season Ten is slated to introduce fans to all sorts of changes, so its alleged release date will only add to that list. When Peter first joined Doctor Who, the series premiered to a record-breaking 7.3 million viewers, so here's to hoping Season Ten will work its wibbly-wobbly magic on fans once more.

[H/T] Screenrant