Peter Capaldi, 12th 'Doctor Who,' Matt Smith's Replacement: 'In the Loop' Actor Will Star in Christmas Episode & 2014's Season 8, BBC 'Live' Special Recap

Peter Capaldi is official the twelfth Doctor for the hit BBC series "Doctor Who." The talented actor has been the favored choice for the new Doctor in British betting pools and fans could not be happier. Capaldi, a life-long "Doctor Who" fan, will take over for departing Doctor, Matt Smith, at the end of the year during the Christmas special. After that, 2014 will see a new Doctor with a new attitude in season 8.

Hosted by Zoe Ball, "Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor" focused on the history of the show and featured plenty of guest interviews and prerecorded messages from Jenna-Louise Coleman, Matt Smith former stars. Most of the conversation kept turning back to the 50^th anniversary special, which was nice, but really it was a show to say good-bye to Matt Smith, really.

Smith's pre-recorded message to his fans was emotional and exciting in some ways. He explained his departure and the way he felt about the role but he ended with teasing the new Doctor. He even revealed that he ran into the new actor on the street after his first episode! So he built up the announcement quite well.

"If I had to pick someone I'd pick him," said Smith. "I'm excited because I know what's coming, and he's going to have a blast."

Read more on Peter's casting RIGHT HERE!

So what do you think of the casting of Peter Capaldi as number Twelve? Personally, I applauded the live stream I was watching.

Here are some Twitter reactions:

Congrats all the same to Peter Capaldi! He's a damn fine actor. I'm skeptical... but I'm often proved wrong on this sort of thing ^_^

— Emma Blackery (@emmablackery) August 4, 2013

Peter Capaldi is the new Dr Who. That is absolutely completely bloody brilliant. — Dainty Ballerina (@DaintyBallerina) August 4, 2013

I like Peter Capaldi but I don't know how I feel about this! Like... I'm happy for him and he's great, but it's gonna be weird without Matt

— Beth (@bethmarriott) August 4, 2013

Peter Capaldi's a good choice for #doctorwho, mesmerising actor. Hoping he'll stay for a good long stint, too. — Gordon Hunt (@glhunt31) August 4, 2013

What an outstanding choice for 12!! Peter Capaldi is an absolutely incredible actor! So pleased!! @bbcdoctorwho

— *Lizzie* (@AsTheSnowFalls2) August 4, 2013

The 12th doctor, Peter Capaldi!.. I wanted it to happen and it happened. I am so happy. <3 #DoctorWho — ⚓ Aaron Copeland ⚓ (@aaronc0peland) August 4, 2013

have a feeling that peter capaldi might be my favourite doctor

— Rachel ☮ (@rachelcowann) August 4, 2013

One more Who fun fact...Peter Capaldi was in Torchwood AND DW's "Fires of Pompeii" ep which also gave us...@KarenGillan2! — Chris Hardwick (@nerdist) August 4, 2013