A 'Doctor Who' script writer has revealed one actor previously turned down the chance to make history as the show's first black Time Lord.
According to The Sun, the coveted role was once offered to a black actor, but he turned it down.
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Peter Capaldi was recently revealed as the 12th Doctor
Script writer Neil Gaiman said on his blog: "Would I like a person of colour as the Doctor? Absolutely. And there are certainly actors good enough ... I know one black actor who was already offered the part of the Doctor, and who turned it down.
"I have no doubt there will be [a non-white Doctor]."
Idris Elba, star of 'Luther', and 'Homeland' actor David Harewood were both linked to the role this time round before it was announced Peter Capaldi had won the part.
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David Harewood (left) and Idris Elba were both linked to the role
Harewood also tweeted on the night of the unveiling: "Well.....if it is me.....the bleedin taxi's late.#who
"I know Peter. He is a genuinely fantastic actor and a fabulous guy. Good luck to you sir.#timelord," he added.
The new Doctor Who is a Patron of the Association for International Cancer Research, and of a Scottish children's charity, the Aberlour Child Care Trust.
Peter Capaldi: 9 Facts in 90 Seconds(02 of09)
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Peter Capaldi is 55. That's 25 years older than Matt Smith, the 11th Time Lord, and the same age as the very first Doctor Who William Hartnell.
Peter Capaldi: 9 Facts in 90 Seconds(03 of09)
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As well as all his BAFTA award and two British Comedy Awards for his portrayal of Malcolm Tucker in 'The Thick of It, Capaldi has an Live Action Short Film Oscar on his shelf - for his 1995 film celebrating the work of German author Franz Kafka.
Peter Capaldi: 9 Facts in 90 Seconds(04 of09)
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Capaldi lives in North London with his wife Elaine and daughter, from whom whom he had to keep it secret that he was to be the next Doctor Who. "She was looking at the internet, and getting upset when there was no mention of me," he revealed. "I had to say, 'Rise above it, darling.'"
Peter Capaldi: 9 Facts in 90 Seconds(05 of09)
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In a 30-year career, Capaldi has appeared on small and big screen, as well as the stage. His face will be familiar from all sorts of things, from 'The Vicar of Dibley', to 'Prime Suspect 3', 'Skins', 'Midsomer Murders', 'Psychos', 'Peep Show', 'Waking the Dead'. even a 2008 episode of 'Doctor Who: The Fires of Pompeii'. He will be co-starring with Benedict Cumberbatch in the forthcoming film about Wikileaks, 'The Fifth Estate'.
Peter Capaldi: 9 Facts in 90 Seconds(06 of09)
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As an arts student in Glasgow, Capaldi was the lead singer of a punk band, Dreamboys, whose drummer was future comedian Craig Ferguson. Picture: rsanews.com
Peter Capaldi: 9 Facts in 90 Seconds(07 of09)
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He got his big break in the 1983 film 'Local Hero', where he played Oldsen, distracted from plans of empire-building by the sight of Jenny Seagrove swimming.
Peter Capaldi: 9 Facts in 90 Seconds(08 of09)
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Peter Capaldi recently appeared in Brad Pitt's apocalyptic blockbuster 'World War Z'. Spookily, Capaldi played 'W.H.O doctor' - just a suitable World Health Organisation acronym, or did they know something we didn't?!
Peter Capaldi: 9 Facts in 90 Seconds(09 of09)
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Until now, Peter Capaldi's most celebrated role is that of government spin doctor Malcolm Tucker, a man who can turn the Cabinet Room blue with his stream of personal invective. Example: "When I want your opinion, I'll give you the signal, and the signal will be me being sectioned."