Doctor Who fans can now back away from the keyboard and fretting about Operation Houdini after the revelation that Peter Capaldi will succeed Matt Smith as the world-famous Timelord. On live TV and in front of a studio audience, Doctor Who Live host Zoe Ball unveiled Capaldi as the TARDIS 12th custodian, succeeding the outgoing Smith who announced his resignation two months ago. The 55-year-old actor beat out renowned competition to land the role one of the most recognisable roles on TV, and is expected to appear in this years Christmas Special announced as Smiths last episode. Todays unveiling means that Capaldi who has already starred in Doctor Who and Torchwood will join Jenna-Louise Colemans Clara Oswald in the long-runnings series 8th season since its 2005 rebirth, or its astounding 34th (with one TV movie) overall. Watched on by past show alumni including Bernard Cribbins and Peter Davison, Capaldis reveal drew large cheers from the already-exultant studio audience. However, the surprise was somewhat dampened by the fact the Scot had been the front-runner since Friday, with some bookies refusing to take bets on the announcement since Saturday. Yet even before Capaldis status as the Twelfth Doctor was made official, fans were still excited by what the former The Thick Of It star best known for playing the foul-mouthed Malcolm Tucker will bring to the time-travelling table. And with the show seemingly going from strength-to-strength a big-budget film is also in the pipeline now seems an excellent time to step into Smiths bow-tie and boots. Yet it remains to be seen how Malcolm Tucker is going to do what do you think? Feel free to comment! Now the announcements been made, why not read how we believe Rose Tyler and David Tennants Tenth Doctor can be included in the Anniversary special? Click Next below!