He said that Gatwa is "absolutely amazing" and noted: "The fact that he's Scottish and Rwandan, you know, that's a brilliant combination."
Asked what he thought Gatwa would bring to the role, Capaldi said: "Oh, energy and humour and wit - and fun, you know, as well as depth. You know, Doctor Who is a great part. You can't lose with it. It's a joy to play. And I think he'll just really grab it with both hands and get on with it."
Capaldi was also asked why he thought Scots made such great Doctors, after Scottish actors including Sylvester McCoy, Tennant, Capaldi and now Gatwa have all taken on the role.
He answered: "Because Scots people are just amazing, that's why. Because they're quite cosmic. You know that to be true. So that's why."
Capaldi has recently spoken on the chances of his own return to the show, and unfortunately for fans, it seems unlikely we will see the actor back in the TARDIS in the future.
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Having previously ruled out a return for a multi-Doctor story, Capaldi told RadioTimes.com exclusively that he would also have little interest in a solo return akin to Tennant's comeback.
He said: "I love Doctor Who – I love it in all of its forms. But I’ve sort of done my time on it and I like the idea that you leave that as it is, instead of constantly digging up more of it."
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