Doctor Who Season 10 Premiere Date Announced

01/30/2017 07:30 pm EST

Today has been a bittersweet one for fans of BBC's Doctor Who. The long-running series has attracted scores of fans since its revival years ago, and the latest iteration of the good Doctor was overseen by Scotland's own Peter Capaldi. Known as the 13th Doctor, the grumpy character was brought to life alongside a clever companion named Clara. Now, Capaldi is set to give his last go at the Doctor with the show's tenth season - and his final hurrah will be kicking off sooner rather than later.

UP NEXT: Peter Capaldi Announces Doctor Who Departure

Along with Capaldi's departure, the BBC took time to confirm the release date of Doctor Who's tenth season. The new slate of episodes are scheduled to premiere on April 15th at 9/8 p.m. CT on BBC America. The premiere will then be followed by the release of BBC's new Doctor Whospin-off, Class.

Of course, fans of the series feel divided by today's surprising news. While fans have wondered whether Capaldi would make this season be his last, many hoped the actor would stick around a bit longer given his new companion Bill. However, it does not seem like the Capaldi is parting from Doctor Who under duress.

"One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best," Capaldi wrote in a statement published by the BBC. "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. I can't thank everyone enough. It's been cosmic."

Showrunner Steven Moffat also commented on the actor's leave, writing, "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. 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. Peters' 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!"

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Doctor Who returns for Season 10 in April 2017.

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