Peter Capaldi thinks Doctor Who' could be played by a woman.

Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi

The 57-year-old star is the Twelfth Doctor, and he and all the previous incumbents of the TARDIS have been white men.

Capaldi believes the family show has a responsibility to reflect modern society and he sees no reason why the character cannot be played by an actress or a non-white actor.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Newsweek, he mused: "I think it's important the show reflects the times. The world's in a tough place at the moment and the Doctor is a hero for all times. So I think he, or she, or it - because he's not a human being - should reflect the times."

What's more, when asked whether castings had taken place with minority or ethnic actors to fill the void left at the end of Series Nine by the departure of the Doctor's much loved companion, Clara Oswald - played by Jenna Coleman - Capaldi revealed "Yes. Definitely".

Despite his comments, Capaldi isn't ready to say goodbye to the role he loves so much just yet.

Asked whether he will stay on after current showrunner Steven Moffat is replaced by 'Broadchurch' creator Chris Chibnall in 2018, he said: "I don't know yet. It's such a long time until we get to that point. I love doing 'Doctor Who'. Obviously things are going to change with it and I might want to carry on and see what that's like - or I might not. It's a very difficult decision to make, as Steven says, when it's time to say goodbye. I've not made that decision yet."