The 58-year-old actor announced in January that he was stepping down from the role, explaining that the upcoming series would be his last.
In an interview with Empire, Peter said he was torn about the decision but felt he needed to leave to keep the programme fresh.
“That’s one of the reasons I’m leaving,” he said. “Because with this volume of work, it’s hard to constantly be searching for new ways of doing things.
“But Doctor Who is weird because I love it so much. Part of me enjoys doing the same thing, while part of me wants different challenges.”
The Scottish star explained that playing one role for a sustained period of time was unusual for him and he knew as soon as he started he would have to leave at some point.
“The terrible thing is, the moment you get the job, you know you’re going to have to leave it,” Peter continued. “That might just be part of my doomy, melancholic nature, but as soon as I became the Doctor I immediately propelled my mind to this spot.
“But that’s fine. I’ve never really done anything for three or four years – it’s not my style.”
Kris Marshall, who recently quit Death in Paradise, is the current favourite to take over the Tardis.
However, there have been calls for a female Doctor, with many backing Tilda Swinton and Lara Pulver for the lead role.
Doctor Who returns to BBC One on April 15.
Daily Express :: TV and Radio Feed
