Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi knew "how to work the TARDIS" before he started work on 'Doctor Who'.

The incoming star has replaced previous Time Lord Matt Smith as the latest incarnation of the iconic science fiction character, and he is such a big fan of the show he had to bite his tongue when prop workers were trying to tell him how everything works.

He said: "I'm constantly amazed that it is me playing this role. I think, 'I'm Doctor Who - how did that happen?' It's a huge privilege and hugely exciting.

"I remember when I first came into the TARDIS, I had to be very patient as the very nice prop guys showed me how to work the Tardis.

"I was thinking, 'I know how to work the TARDIS. I've known for a long time, probably longer than you, so you don't need to tell me!' Every day is amazing!"

He has also warned himself not to buy into the hype or fanaticism from similarly devoted followers of the programme, instead focusing on his own performance rather than what people will think.

He added in an interview with The Guardian newspaper: " 'Doctor Who' is so big, from the start I thought, 'Don't get involved in what people say'. You simply do your best.

"Then it goes out into the world and you know that whether most people like it or not, somewhere someone loves you, and will always love you. The more everyone hates you, the more they'll love you! 'He was my Doctor', they'll say."