MUMBAI: UK pubcaster The BBC has announced that Matt Smith, who played the 11th incarnation of ?Doctor Who? will be quitting the show at the end this year. Until his exit, Smith will have played the lead for four years on the iconic BBC One show.

"The fans of Doctor Who around the world are unlike any other; they dress up, shout louder, know more about the history of the show and speculate more about the future of the show in a way that I?ve never seen before, your dedication is truly remarkable. Thank you so very much for supporting my incarnation of the Time Lord, number Eleven, who I might add is not done yet, I?m back for the 50th anniversary and the Christmas special!" said Smith.

The BBC says that during his time in the title role, Matt Smith has reached over 30 million unique UK viewers and was also the first actor to be nominated for a Bafta in the role of Dr. Who.