Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter today that Peter Capaldi will return for Season 9 of the hit series.

"Yes, he's confirmed."

However, the writer-producer later added that the Jenna Coleman, who plays the Time Lord's companion Clara, is not confirmed, fueling rampant speculation that the actress will not return after next month's Christmas Special.

Steven Moffat was joined by Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, Michelle Gomez and Samuel Anderson at a London event for the impending Season 8 DVD launch. Peter Capaldi added at the event that he was previously approached to play the Doctor in an unsuccessful 1996 TV movie reboot, which eventually was played by Paul McGann.

"But I turned down the opportunity. I loved it so much that I didn't want to have the disappointment of going for something that I would never get."

It was also announced earlier today that the U.S. ratings for Doctor Who were up 23 percent from the previous season, with the Season 8 setting a record for the network's most-watched season premiere.

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