Since 2005, the BBC’s Doctor Who has gained a legion of rabid fans, transitioning from a cult classic to a full-on mainstream hit. The eponymous Doctor is a time-travelling alien who regenerates his body when he’s close to death, meaning that sooner or later, a new actor takes over the part. Current Doctor Matt Smith revealed in June that he was hanging up his bow tie, and from there, speculation on the identity of Twelve has run rampant. As of Sunday, however, this particular rumor mill has ceased production.

Whovians, join me in welcoming Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor!

Does the name sound familiar? It should — Capaldi boasts an impressive resume, and is by no means a newcomer to acting. He has had roles in Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, Skins, The Thick of It, and The Hour, along with recent zombie movie World War Z and the upcoming Julian Assange flick The Fifth Estate. If you haven’t seen any of these, you’re sure to know him as Caecilius in “The Fires of Pompeii” episode of Doctor Who, or John Frobisher in Torchwood: Children of Earth.

Yes, just like former companions Freema Agyeman and Karen Gillan, as well as Sixth Doctor Colin Baker, Peter Capaldi was already part of the Whoniverse! He’s been hiding in plain sight all these years!

Capaldi was announced during an unprecedented live show that aired in four countries simultaneously. Former Doctors, companions, and celebrities were in attendance to welcome Capaldi to his new wibbly-wobbly family. The show came a week after the announcement that Doctor Who‘s 50th anniversary special, airing on November 23rd, will be broadcast simultaneously around the world.

Personally, I’m thrilled with the decision. Capaldi is a powerhouse of an actor and a life-long Doctor Who fan, as he so giddily mentioned during the show. I’m pleased to see an older gent back in the role. I can’t wait for Twelve to start winning over fans this Christmas.

That just leaves one last order of business: when are they releasing the 50th trailer?!

More of Liz’s writing can be read on her blog, The Ginger Lizard.