I'm hoping it's true, and the sooner he's gone the better. I never liked him, thought he was a terrible, inexperienced actor, who brought nothing to the role that others hadn't already done. He was nothing more than a lame attempt to appeal to a younger demographic, and it hurt the character and the show.

disaster! matt smith has been amazing. he's brought vulnerability and fury to the doctor role. leagues ahead of ecclestone and tennant (who were both good). really hope this isn't true.

If this is true then i am disgusted. He is one of the best things to happen to nuwho in ages, one of the best doctors around. Stay on Mr Smith yr country needs you.. As for hurting the show and the character Deggsy u must be out of yr tiny mind, its done wonders...he's the best who in decades.

I agree with Nick! Would just ignore this one though, he's often saying in interviews he sees himself having a long future with the show so as usual it's just the Sun printing rubbish!

I know they haven't said this yet on new who so it's really up to Moffat whether this is kept in or not. But the doc can only have 12 regenerations... yeah? Which could mean that a 12th doctor would be the last, or that a 13th doctor would be the last, depends. However, I wasn't a fan of Smith at the start but to be honest, he's really come into his own.

I'd hate it if Matt Smith would leave so soon! I'd love it if he stuck around for a very long time. His Doctor is awesome and has so much potential (to grow). I'd love to see him and his Doctor reach a similar point David Tennant's Doctor reached in the end, but instead of a Lonely God, a grumpy old man, like the first Doctor. He's a fantastic Doctor and I hope he stays on for a long while, hopefully another two series. There's only 13 episodes a series and then a Christmas Special. I want more! (Also I'd love to see Captain Jack Harkness on the show again or a visit to 1900's Torchwood!)

Isn't this just referring to his contract is for only two seasons initially anyway? I think that's what he said on Jonathan Ross the other month. I hope he doesn't leave after two years. Three minimum for any actor generally, otherwise it might undermine the show a bit if we have too much of an actors merry go round. I know Eccleston did it but he was already a big name (with a big ego I hear).

I hope its not true, But to tell you the truth the only episode that i realy enjoyed was the first one, Bring back the Time Lords!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really? Let the time lords stay dead (or locked in a bubble or whatever). In fact they should just leave all the old monsters where they are and do more new original ones. I don't think the Sullurians return was hugely successful. I want more new races, it keeps the show fresh and modern. Otherwise, it ends up being caught in the past. Saying that I do secretly wish they find another Seed of Doom to run rampant (or grow rampant) around modern Britain. I loved that story, so bonkers.

> "But the doc can only have 12 regenerations... yeah? Which could mean that a 12th doctor would be the last..." No... >"or that a 13th doctor would be the last" That's more like it. Or were the old rules. I can't really see them being stuck too. Oh, and DOG: being able to use paragraphs in comments would be lovely. Ta.

This "news" angers me for so many reasons. Sounds like the tabloids and a conveniently anonymous "source" just fishing for stories. I've seen Matt in interviews and behind the scenes. he loves being the Doctor and doesn't look like he wants to leave any time soon. And he's certainly not dumb enough to make arrogant statements like "Hollywood is beckoning". Seriously, I hate the media. P.S. You lot in the comments section are even dumber for believing it.

Hey Zephos, dumb is my middle name.

I was planning on killing myself anyway before Dec 21 2012. But if Matt Smith quits then "I'm outta here man" "game effing OVER"

Drakul, you'll miss the Christmas special if you do it then.

Slow news day Mr Sun Editor?

Matt Smith is the best Doctor in the best series of Doctor Who ever...I hope we have hime for at least as long as Tennant if not longer. However, if he left I'm sure the writers could handle it. As far as the 12 regeneration limit is concerned cross that bridge when they come to it. The Master's had more than his fair share I believe...

I'm always puzzled by the claim that Matt Smith was just brought in to try and reach a younger demographic: since Doctor who is immensely popular with school kids and even pre-schoolers as well as the broad adult audience it attracts, how much younger can you get?

It would be a shame if he did leave as he's been brilliant in the role... I eas sceptiacal at first but won over by the end of 'The Eleventh Hour'. If Matt Smith has plans to break into Hollywood and has any sense then he'll keep an eye on how David Tennant fares trying to do so first... it doesn't seem that he's been too successful so far.

What a load of crap. For someone like Matt Smith looking to establish his career he is not going to give up the role of a life time. It seems like everyone is making him the Colin Baker of the new series and can't wait to fire him. Careful what you wish for otherwise you will find Dr Who on 'temp hiatus' again before you know it!!!!!!

Sounds like giberish to me and Smith is awesome enough for several more seasons imo, though conversely Tennant proved you can stay too long so an exit plan is sensible so you can go on a high etc.

Well if it's The Sun and "a pal", it's got to be true! They were dead on about the whole 'Eleven Doctors Special' after all...

I really doubt this rumour, Matt Smith would know more than anyone how lucky he is to have the role. Given the post-Who careers of the previous Doctors combined with Hollywood's rubbish output these last few years he'd know it wouldn't be a smart move. Look at Eccleston in GI Joe!

The Sun and "a pal" say that Matt's quitting, eh? This from just about the single most bog-roll worthy newspaper in the country.

I'll just add my $.02 and say, once again, that Matt Smith's the best Doctor since Tom Baker (and Karen Gillan's the best companion since Lalla Ward). Sure, I enjoyed Eccleston's gurning Pub Bloke and, sure, I enjoyed Tennant's, uh, gurning Fashion Model...but Smith's been brilliant in the role! He's charismatic, haunted, funny, ancient, tetchy, alien, menacing...and just, well, brilliant! (And, as for the "Hollywood" rumor? Please. If there's any truth to that remark, then Smith needn't look further than Eccleston's post-Who career. "GI Joe"? "The Dark is Rising"? And Tennant's doing, what, a "Fright Night" remake? Yikes.)

Simon, However lurid their content, the UK tabloids have (in my opinion) a generally good record when it comes to breaking DW scoops. They broke Eccleston leaving, Piper leaving, Simm guest starring.. and all this months ahead of time. Though still a rumor, this cannot be dismissed out of hand.

Wrt ...The Sun quotes “a pal” as saying... it was probably a pal Matt's never met and someone that needed a few beer tokens so sold a story. As they say today's newspaper tomorrow's fish & Chips wrapper!

B O L L O C K S ! ! !

hmmm could be true....as someone said the Sun have hit the truth in most of the DW scoops in the past, I read he was contracted for 3 years to start with, and they picked a young unknown, to save money AND make sure the actor stays in the role for a while. If its true that has not worked out well! Then I read / heard /sae on Tv somewhere that Matt Smith intends to do the next series, and then "take it from there" After all past Doctor Who actors have hedged and evaded making statements on when they would leave the role. I cant believe he would only do 2 years and leave, it seems a bit silly, as evey other D Who actors career, has bombed after leaving the role. Just like Soap actors they get too big for their boots, leave and think they will be big stars and then come crawling back after nothing happens, look at Patsy Palmer / Sid Owen / Jessie Wallace / Shane Ritchie etc in Eastenders for example. I hope he does not leave, but all these rumours dont help, I wish Matt Smith would just come out and say I am staying for 3 , 4 years etc. How hard is it to do that? I thought Tennant would leave after series 3 but he stayed on another year. I bet he ends up being the longest serving actor in the role since Tom Baker, the way things are going though...

Just to clarify, Matt Smith was not employed to "appeal to a younger audience" [it's a kids show, come on...] or "to save money" [Doctor Who is not Macdonalds]. Moffat & Co were originally looking for someone mid 30's to mid 40's. He was signed up purely for his acting ability.

The Beeb and Moff must move heaven and earth to keep him. I have generally been disappointed since Who came back. S1 has its high points (The End of the World, Dalek, The empty child)but was let down by too many bad ones (Rose, New Town ffs, Bad Wolf etc) and I felt that Christopher Ecclestone never really seemed at ease in the role.. I loved Tennant's understated performances in Blackpool and Quatermass and his smug-but-vulnerable turn in Cassanova so was quite excited when he was announced as Eccleston's replacement. However his portrayal of the good doctor was simply an object lesson in gurning, shouting and crying, which isn't what a genius alien philathropist/scientist/explorer should be associated with. There were a few good ones (The Girl in the Fireplace, Blink, Silence in the Library) but even they were let down by instances of said gurning/shouting/crying of the lead actor. I found Rose Tyler to be tedious from day 1 and was glad to see the back of her (but knew also that RTD would find some lame plot device to bring her back at some point), Martha had promise and Donna would have been OK for a couple of episodes. Ironically I though DT was excellent in Human Nature/The Family of Blood and this gave an insight into how good he might have been if he and/or his showrunner had exercised a little more restraint. DT's era had more low points than high ones but special mention must go to Love & Monsters and the Olympic Torch bit at the end of Fear Her where I was genuinely embarrased to be watching it. Which brings us on to Matt Smith. My Doctor was Pertwee and I have judged all subsequent doctors by this standard. For my money Smith has nailed it. He speaks to everyone with the care and clarity that a kind, elderly professor would use when addressing a small child. He doesn't gnash his teeth and spew his emotions all over the screen but uses subtle gestures and expressions to protry a deep, complex character who is carrying a lot of pain but is dealing with it himself because he genuinely believes that the mere humans around him are too limited to help and therefore should be protected from it. This is how the doctor would behave. He would not be trying to shag Rose Tyler or Madame du Pompadour as he is an alien; humans are an interesting species to him and one of which he is extremely fond (like a marine biologist might want to protect a cerain species of shark) but he would not want to procreate with us. Matt Smith is playing the Doctor as he should be played. If in doubt go back to the source material and have a look/read. No it isn't a soap opera any more but those of you pining for the DT/Billie Piper stuff have Eastenders for that kind of thing - this is Doctor Who and I've waited a bloody long time for the real doctor to come back. To replace him with another chav so soon would be a tragedy.

I think Matt Smith would realize, as David Tennant now has, that Hollywood is definitely not beckoning. Both are vastly talented actors, certainly. Talent doesn't really have all that much to do with getting noticed in Hollywood. What Matt Smith would really need to do (as a British actor), is take a trip either to Los Angeles or New York City, get incredibly drunk, get in trouble with the police - but not TOO much trouble - get his name in the papers and the American tabloids. After accomplishing that, Smith - and Tennant if he were to do the same - could quite possibly get that Hollywood recognition. After that, he could go ahead and prove his talent. All this is, of course, if Matt Smith truly desires Hollywood recognition. I don't think he needs it. Other than all that, I hope Matt Smith stays with DW for several years. The man is terrific in the role.

Matt Smith will stay beyond 2 seasons. That is my gut feel at least. If I had a wish list, having the Brigadier making an appearance would be absolutely awesome - I imagine that there would then be some sort of tie in with Captain Jack and the rest of the Torchwood crew...

If he quits i think Kris Marshall should be the next doctor

@AngusThermopyle Seriously? You're saying David Tennant was bad? He kept millions entertained for 4/5 years, the show's popularity soaring, there's no way you can call that doing a bad job. I think you (like many others) are just confusing "bad acting" with "a character you don't like". Some people are just more expressive than others. Even the Doctor is different from regeneration to regeneration. You say you're holding every Doctor to the standard of Jon Pertwee, and that Matt Smith is (finally) once again how the Doctor is "supposed to be". Personally, I think you're selling everyone short. There is no one way the Doctor is "supposed to be", the whole point is that he becomes a different person with every regeneration! So to judge one Doctor by the standards of another is really not fair. I mean, how different is Colin Baker from Peter Davison? Or Peter Davison from Tom Baker, for that matter. But all wonderful Doctors in their own right! It's simple: with a different Doctor, different rules apply. I've accepted that, and there hasn't been a Doctor I don't enjoy. I loved David Tennant, I love Matt Smith, too. He's just marvellous, and I do hope he stays for a long time.

Hopefully when he goes, he will take Moffat with him.

surely its in his contract to be ambiguous as to when he's leaving, keeps the mystery about what might happen for much longer.

3 days later and still no official denial of the rumour? Dammnit Matt, do our heart-rates a favour!

Meh. Could live with him or without him. It's not like they'll stop making Doctor Who...

SpiritMuse - sorry if my post wasn't clear. I really don't think DT is a bad actor and I was actually quite excited when he got the role. I did, however, feel he did too much 'over-emoting' which could have been as much attributable to the writing as to the man himself. I also felt that the series became far too soapy which may account for the high viewing figures (although series 5 hasn't done badly on that front considering the schedules, weather, world cup etc.). It's all about opinions and mine is that I was disappointed with Tennant, particularly because I know he's capable of better. The whole 'romance with tedious Rose' was sadly out of place in Doctor Who in my opinion and I felt there were more bad episodes than good, although admittedly the good ones made the bad ones worth sitting through. DT was really popular with my kids though but I felt that RTD was only writing for the new audience (i.e. the eastenders/ant & dec brigade) with scant regard for true fans of the series. I agree that each incarnation should be different (I was horrified at how 'different' Tom Baker was but look how that turned out) but there are core elements that should remain, such as the fact that he's an alien, he's pragmatic and can remain detached from the emotional failings that cloud humans' judgement in times of peril. For me (and it's only me) Tennant played him too human, too attached and far too (often for no good reason) emotional. He also came across a bit chavvy (RTD's target demographic) as well. Cheers, and I'm by no means suggesting you're wrong - I simply disagree with you.

Oh - if he does go. I'll be putting a bet on Benedict Cumberbatch to take over the role. The parallels with Tennant and Cassanova are undeniable.

I fail to understand why many people have been so critical of Matt Smith's acting capabilities. From what I can see he has managed to bring the Doctor away from his shouty form as Tennant and brought back the more emotive and frankly alien Doctor we all knew and loved. I am only 15 years old and yet I felt that David Tennant, although good, did as AngusThermopyle said, make it too much into a soap opera. Further more, people's attempts to judge him on comparison with Tennant are often entirely unfair not only because each Doctor is different but also because it seems the majority of the population have forgotten that it took time to build up the relationship we did with Tennant, and looking back on him with 'rose-tinted glasses' assume Matt should be just as familiar in 1 year as Tennant was after 4 years. With regards to the presumed exit of Smith, I can see no actual evidence of this and therefore will hold it in my mind that this is not true until I am disproven. It seems to me that Matt loves this role, and interviews with him have confirmed this. I'm going to wait until he tells us he is leaving.. which I believe he won't do soon and look forward with anticipation to his forthcoming series.

Matt Smith will not be leaving Doctor Who after his second series, Remember that Smith is under contract for 3 years with an option for two more.

Does anyone remember what Peter Davison said when he left Doctor Who? He said that although he generally liked working with the rest of the production team in his last season there were scripts he didn't find very good or scenes he didn't enjoy filming and that, if there had been more episodes like "The Caves of Androzani" he may have stayed for another season (for those who don't know "The Caves of Androzani" was voted the best DW story about a year ago). Maybe Smith thinks of leaving for simmilar reasons. If that's why he thinks of quitting then I believe he will soon change his mind. Series 6 will be answering the unanswered questions of Series 5, and I think it will be far darker and far more personal than all the previous seasons. Not to mention that Neil Gaiman will be writing one story. I believe that if Moffat and the rest of the production team think of some good, complex and innovative stories Smith will really like doing the acting and will seriously think of staying. However if things aren't like and either Moffat doesn't make Series 6 a good one or Smith considers leaving for another reason then I don't know what will happen.

@AngusThermopyle I couldn't agree more with what you have said, and the rumours have been proven wrong anyway, long live Matt Smith!

Do NOT quit. Us Trekies have just now found Dr. Who (starting with special effects and Christopher Eccelstaon (sp). Tennat was Fantastic, but we are in it for the LONG HAUL. You've captured the trekkies with the special effects and fantastic stories. KEEP IT. I've just spent a lot of $$ buying the series on Amazon, but I always wanted to LIKE Dr. Who, until this century and these GREAT stories and actors, could not get it. NOW I DO. Trekkie, me, paying for the new fun... Dr. Who in this Century, . I think one should account for Depp, take the entire market, and make it work.

NOT CLEAR. Matt, STAY. Us Trekkies are just now getting on, and ALL of the new Drs. in this Century are getting US - our attention in the USA and CA. Matt Smith is as pURRRRRfect as Tenant and Eccelaston. Rock on and TAKE the Trekkies . ... we need Dr. Who.

Smith was confirned thru 2013 and the 50th anniversary. Hope he out-stays Pertwee, tho I suspect no one will ever outlast Tom. Brilliant actor; Drs 9 and 10 pale in comparison, imo. Ecc was good but not as good, and I c/n stand Ten's Dr, right from the start. Admittedly, some of 9 and 10s lack of luster is due to RTD helming the show; we all owe Davies a debt of gratitude for helping bring DW back, but the head producer/writer, like the Dr, needed a "new incarnation".