Doc's got the prescription for adventure

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Publication: Evening Times
Date: 2015-09-19
Author:
Page: 21
Language: English

PETER CAPALDI'S keen to share the news that Doctor Who viewers are in for a "spectacle".

"I think they'll find a lot of thrills, a lot of mystery, a reckless Doctor in pursuit of adventure," teases Capaldi, who debuted as the 12th Doctor in 2013.

While Capaldi's Doctor and his assistant Clara, played by 29-year-old Jenna Coleman, have experienced some conflicts and challenges, the 57-year-old actor notes that "generally, if you can weather the storms, you often find that your relationship is much stronger".

"That's certainly the case with them," Glasgow-born Capaldi adds. "They're like a little gang. The Doctor has realised that he's 2000 years old and life is short. He wants to enjoy himself and enjoy having Clara around.

"It's a very curious relationship, it doesn't really have an equivalent in television. It's a non-romantic, but deeply bonded pairing which is strangely full of affection, more deeply felt than simple romantic relationships."

Capaldi describes the opening episode of the upcoming ninth series as "fabulous".

"The story is going to take us across the universe into all types of dark, terrifying and funny places. It's a particular epic one to start, with lots of old favourites."

This includes Missy, the Doctor's terrifying arch-nemesis played by fellow Scot Michelle Gomez.

"I wouldn't say their relationship has changed since he saw her last. Missy's role is slightly different. You'll have to wait and see!" says Capaldi with a laugh, understandably wary of giving away any spoilers.

The infamous Daleks also return - "and particularly for those who are nostalgic with the Daleks of the Sixties, there are some special surprises in store", the actor teases.

The Swinging Sixties also inspired some changes in the Doctor's time machine, the Tardis.

"I don't think my Doctor fits in with the whole idea of Edwardian time traveller, there's a kind of resurge of that in the look of the Tardis as it was, so I wanted to make it a little sharper. There are a few more elegant, Sixties, classic design things knocking around, as opposed to Edwardian or Victorian."

Some of Capaldi's favourite moments have been when they've revealed "something of the Doctor's more alien nature", though he recently confessed: "I don't feel like I've nailed it yet. Quite who the Doctor is remains mysterious to me, which is of course as it should be."

He is certain of his dream guest stars, however.

"David Bowie, he would be a very good one, and Keith Richards, stumbling around the Tardis, knocking out a few chords."

Before accepting the role, the actor admits he sought advice from those who'd walked in the Time Lord's shoes before him.

"It's extraordinary because your life does change in some ways, quite dramatically," he notes. "I spoke to both David [Tennant] and Matt [Smith], and they both said, 'Well, you'll just become much more visible'."

He confesses he didn't fully appreciate how this would translate on a day-to-day basis at the time.

"It means when you go down to the supermarket or the shops or whatever, people shout out at you from cars, and people say hello and come up to you. And at first it was quite scary, because you feel very exposed."

Doc's got the prescription for adventure

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