ADRIAN ROGERS/BBCThe Doctor will you see you now.
The first official image of Peter Capaldi as the Doctor in Doctor Who made its way to the web as season eight of the crossover hit series began production. The photo, above, features Capaldi as the Doctor and his costar Jenna Coleman as Clara. Note: This is not Capaldi's final Doctor Who costume, he's wearing Matt Smith's outfit.
Capaldi first appeared as the Doctor in the show's 50th anniversary special, "The Day of the Doctor," before taking over the role in the 2013 Christmas special. Capaldi previously guest starred on the series in completely different role.
"New job, first day, slightly nervous. Just like the Doctor, I'm emerging from the TARDIS into a whole other world," Capaldi said in a statement.
Capaldi's first episode as the Doctor was written by Steven Moffat. Phil Ford penned the second. The show is shooting in Cardiff until August 2014.
"First the eyebrows! Then, at Christmas, the face! Coming soon, the whole Doctor. In the Cardiff studios, the Capaldi era begins," Moffat said in a statement.
Capaldi replaces Smith as the Doctor Who lead. Smith's final appearance was in the 2013 Christmas special. Capaldi's casting was announced in August 2013.
"Being asked to play the Doctor is an amazing privilege," Capaldi said at the time. "Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight. It's so wonderful not to keep this secret any longer, but it's been so fantastic."
"I just want to wish my successor all the best and say good luck and good on you for getting it," Smith said in a videotaped message when Capaldi was announced. "I know he's a huge fan of the show and a really nice guy. The casting of it made me really excited it. I think it's a really canny choice. Good luck, man. It's going to be a thrill."