Doctor Who’s Matt Smith Says Goodbye in a Special Video Message

Doctor Who fans around the world are still reeling from the recent announcement that Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith will be leaving the show following its 2013 Christmas special.

Smith, who is clearly aware of the emotional devastation this news has wrought, has decided to make a public statement on the topic for the first time since the news broke.

Looking strikingly different since he shaved all his hair off for his role in Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut How to Catch a Monster, Smith recorded a special video message for Who fans while shooting his new movie in Detroit. If you can get past the fact that Smith now bears an uncanny resemblance to former Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston thanks to his new hairdo, the video is quite sweet and a lovely gesture to all the fans who are already mourning his absence. 

Smith starts his message using a series of handwritten paper notes, complete with some interesting little drawings and shout-outs to both current and former co-stars. Once finished with all his written messages, Smith adds a personal comment directed directly at Whovians everywhere.

Doctor Who land, listen, this is a message to say thank you for all your support over the past four years,” Smith says. “To Steven Moffat, all the brilliant cast and crew who’ve just made the whole journey a marvelous one. But really what makes this job truly spectacular is the fans and the support from the fans – it’s truly unique. And it’s meant a lot. So… THANK YOU!”

Watch below. (Really, it’s adorable. And you might get sniffly.)

With Smith set to officially hang up his sonic screwdriver this Christmas, the speculation surrounding who will play the Twelfth Doctor continues apace. Despite what you might hear from internet pundits, supposed insiders or even the folks at your local gambling establishment, no one actually knows anything about who will be playing the next Doctor.  Speculating about who the lucky actor or actress might turn out to be sure is fun though.

Will you miss Smith and Eleven? Or are you looking forward to seeing what the new guy – or gal – will be like? 


Lacy Baugher

Lacy's love of British TV is embarrassingly extensive, but primarily centers around evangelizing all things Doctor Who, and watching as many period dramas as possible.

Digital media type by day, she also has a fairly useless degree in British medieval literature, and dearly loves to talk about dream poetry, liminality, and the medieval religious vision. (Sadly, that opportunity presents itself very infrequently.) York apologist, Ninth Doctor enthusiast, and unabashed Ravenclaw. Say hi on Threads or Blue Sky at @LacyMB. 

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