Peter Capaldi thinks 'Doctor Who' has been kept alive by its fans.

Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi

The 57-year-old actor - who took on the role of the Time Lord in 2013 - believes the popular sci-fi series, which has run since 1963, has become such a success over the years because the viewers are so dedicated to tuning in week-in week-out.

He said: "It's a great show, it's a part of our television history, and the fact that it's still here and the people still enjoy it, is a great testament to the original idea but also to the wonderful people we have involved in the show.

"I mean Steven Moffat is an extraordinary writer and extraordinary creative person.

"But also we have an astonishing crew down in Cardiff, who I can't praise more highly.

"You know they are an extraordinary bunch of hard working, talented, gifted people who are also great to be around."

And Peter can't wait to see fans' reaction to series 10 when it hit screens "very soon" but he has admitted details surrounding the next installment has been kept tightly under wraps.

Speaking on 'Lorraine' this morning (07.03.160, he said: "It's going to start very soon but for some reason I'm not allowed to tell you, because Doctor Who is veiled in secrecy always."

Meanwhile, it was previously revealed that current executive producer Steven is leaving the sci-fi programme next year and will hand over the reins to the 'Broadchurch' creator Chris Chibnall.