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Peter Capaldi will carry on the torch as the 12th incarnation of Doctor Who for at least two more seasons. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter after an event in London to mark the DVD release of the eighth season, showrunner Steven Moffat said that the actor had signed up for season 9 and 10 of the British series.

"Yes, he's confirmed," Moffat said of Capaldi. However, the Scottish writer who also shepherds hit BBC series "Sherlock" noted that Jenna Coleman who plays the Doctor's companion had not signed yet to return.

There was rumor that Coleman, who has played Clara Oswald for two years, would quit the show after the upcoming Christmas episode. The actress responded to the report in September, saying, "There's lots of rumors. We've sat down with Steven Moffat and we've all decided we don't want anyone to know which way it's going." She added, "If you know I'm in the next series - or if you know I'm off - you'll know how the story ends."

Back at the DVD release event, Capaldi revealed that he once turned down the chance to audition for the role of the eighth Doctor Who which eventually went to Paul McGann. "But I turned down the opportunity," he said, explaining, "I loved it so much that I didn't want to have the disappointment of going for something that I would never get."

"Doctor Who" Christmas special will air in December.