Peter Capaldi is New Doctor Who: Fans React on Twitter

Peter Capaldi has been named as Matt Smith's successor and will be the new Doctor Who. The 55-year-old Scotsman, who is well known for his role as spin-doctor Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It, was unveiled as the twelfth incarnation of the Doctor in a special live announcement on BBC One.

Celebrities and fans took to Twitter to share their excitement.

"There can't be a funnier, wiser, more exciting Time Lord than Peter Capaldi. The universe is in great hands. #DoctorWho" Armando Iannucci, The Thick of it creator, posted.

"Thrilling, moving, beyond exciting. Cometh the hour, cometh the man! Peter Capaldi is the PERFECT choice. Welcome, Doctor!" Mark Gatiss, Sherlock co-creator and frequent Doctor Who writer, tweeted.

"Congratulations to Peter Capaldi and to the BBC. Another splendid Doctor!" actor John Hurt posted.

"Well I couldn't be happier with the choice ! Peter Capaldi takes the baton xxxx" Katy Manning wrote.

"@ValeryeOh Peter Capaldi seems pretty promising for the role of The Doctor, though as much as I'm trying I just can't get over Matt. #DrWho"

"@Shane_Houston47 I think I just need to accept the fact that Peter Capaldi is probably gonna be one of my favourite actors within a year"

"@ChezBlackbox New #doctorwho #petercapaldi. Middle-aged eye candy. Will miss the world's most amusing spin doctor though. #thethickofit"

"@Balisandra the king of the fandom has spoken RT@CraigyFerg Great news that Peter Capaldi is the new Doctor. A spectacular talent and a beautiful man"

"@Aqii_1D #doctorwho oh yeh who watched the doctor who special yesterday I did and Peter Capaldi is the 12th doctor! congrats! :)"