BBC America will begin airing the 10th season of “Doctor Who” on April 15, the network announced Monday. The network also announced the debut of a “Doctor Who” spin-off, “Class,” that will debut the same evening. The setting of the series is Coal Hill School, which has long played a role in the “Doctor Who” legend. The eight-part series was produced by BBC Studios Wales with assistance from BBC America and BBC Worldwide.
Capaldi’s final season
Actor Peter Capaldi also announced on Monday that the 10th will be his final season as the Doctor. Capaldi is the 12th actor to portray the Doctor. "One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best,” Capaldi said in a prepared statement released by the network. “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. Its been cosmic."
Capaldi’s honors
In 1995, Capaldi earned an Academy Award for Best Short Film, Live Action, for “Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life.” He won numerous other awards for his roles in the television programs “The Thick of It” and “In the Loop.” His portrayal of the Doctor earned acting nominations from the BAFTA Awards, Online Film & Television Association Awards, and the TV Quick Awards.
New cast members
Added to the cast this season is actress Pearl Mackie, who will portray the Doctor’s new assistant, Bill. “Doctor Who” may be the breakthrough role for Mackie, whose previous on-screen performances have included an episode of “Doctors” and a bit part in the motion picture “Svengali.” Matt Lucas joins the “Doctor Who” cast as Nardole. Lucas portrayed Tweedledum and Tweedledee in the motion pictures “Alice in Wonderland” and “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” He has appeared in such television programs as “Bull,” “Galavant,” “Fresh off the Boat,” and “Portlandia,” For more than two decades, he has been a familiar face on several television series produced and aired in the United Kingdom.