Series 8 - BBC's First Reaction to Twelfth Doctor

After reviewing recently completed Doctor Who episodes, the BBC is said to be "thrilled" with Peter Capaldi's incarnation of the Doctor, read on for further details:

The BBC is said to be “delighted” and "thrilled" with the first episodes of Peter Capaldi’s Doctor Who.

Around five are understood to have been completed and a source on the show says that Capaldi looks on course to “make one of the best Doctors ever”.The storylines have started from "the bottom up” with Capaldi’s Doctor having a clean slate of storylines with little reference to his predecessors.

"He is his own man - very distinctive," said the source. Early indications are that Capaldi is making an excellent Time Lord - with a "sizzling" chemistry between him and co-star Jenna Coleman, according to show sources. The further good news for fans is that the chemistry between Capaldi and Coleman is said to be “sizzling”.

“He is the oldest Doctor and there is a sense he is more distanced from his assistant, more of a mystery He is perhaps less a mate, and someone she looks up to. She has to try and gauge him - but dramatically it’s very satisfying and onscreen they work very well together.”

His performance is also thought to have echoes of other Doctors, most especially Jon Pertwee's third incarnation, who Capaldi's look most closely resembles. But he is also a Doctor for a "modern age", said the source.

“There is a real buzz about this Doctor,” added the source. “And of course the monsters are great.” Capaldi will sport a dark blue Crombie coat with red lining, dark blue trousers, a white shirt as well as stylish black Dr Marten shoes.

The look was created by Doctor Who costume designer Howard Burden and is understood to have been in collaboration with Capaldi himself, as well as key Doctor Who executives including showrunner Steven Moffat and controller of BBC drama commissioning Ben Stephenson. 

Capaldi has already said of his costume: “He's woven the future from the cloth of the past. Simple, stark, and back to basics. No frills, no scarf, no messing, just 100 per cent Rebel Time Lord.” Moffat added: “New Doctor, new era, and of course new clothes. Monsters of the universe, the vacation is over - Capaldi is suited and booted and coming to get you!” 

Filming for episode one of series eight of Doctor Who began in January, after 10.2 million viewers saw the Christmas Day episode in which Capadli first appeared - still wearing the costume of previous incumbent Matt Smith.

Doctor Who returns this Autumn to BBC One and BBC One HD.