Rumour: Series Ten HALVED So Capaldi Can Take On Other Work

Andrew Reynolds is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

The Mirror are reporting that Doctor Who will return with only half the usual episodes next year when the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi is granted leave to focus on other projects.

Nothing has been confirmed yet but rumours suggested by The Mirror say that the BBC pushed for more than the usual 12 episodes but Capaldi wants the freedom to do other projects.

The actor is quoted as saying that the work schedule was too much for him and the ‘exhausted’ crew.

“If you did the series all year there’d be casualties – and one would be its quality,” he said. “There’s a point where you can’t drive people any harder.”

The paper goes on to quote Doctor Who insiders who say – as with Matt Smith – the series will be greatly reduced to allow Capaldi the time off and that next year’s run will be supplemented by a Christmas Special.

Capaldi is said to direct a film loosely based on his time in Glasgow punk band The Dreamboys and two episodes of the US TV series Veep.

In the past, Capaldi has talked about the punishing schedule.

“Playing the Doctor takes up so much time. It doesn’t leave much room for other things.”

So with Moffat promising Capaldi won’t be going anywhere and a five year business plan for the future of the show in circulation, is now, with ratings stalling around the 4 million mark, the right time to rest the show?

Does Capaldi’s concern over a dip in quality reflect a genuine concern with quality or a worry that no show can keep up this momentum? What do we make of the suggestion that Matt Smith also insisted on having time away? So does the addition of the Christmas Special mean we’re getting more than the promised three feature length specials? Does this mean a return to Series 7 style half seasons or  more specials?

What do we make of this rumour?

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