Why Every Lead Actor Left Doctor Who
3. Matt Smith
Matt Smith was able to build on the success of the Tennant era, giving the show an international appeal to complement its dominance of British screens.
And as was the case with his predecessor, there was no trouble surrounding his departure – he just decided to move on.
From the beginning, Smith had hinted to Steven Moffat that he wanted to stay for no more than three series. The news was announced in June 2013, half a year before his regeneration in the upcoming Christmas special. Smith stated that it had been an honour to play the Doctor, and that "when ya gotta go, ya gotta go." Like other incarnations, the show's tough production schedule also played a part in his decision.
It wasn't an easy choice to make though, and Smith has confessed that he would've gladly done another year, and that he regrets not getting a full series with Jenna Coleman. Recently, he's also hinted that he wasn't entirely happy with his final episode.
Unsurprisingly then, he's more than game for a return to the show. Though many were hoping he'd appear in the 60th anniversary, Smith is young enough that there's no doubt we'll see him play the Doctor onscreen at least one more time.