On Sunday the 28^th of July, the Times newspaper published an issue of their Sunday Times Magazine which featured the first interview with Peter Capaldi about the new series of Doctor Who.

I don’t usually buy the Times but by golly if I didn’t rush out to get this edition. Disregarding all other content and speeding straight to the magazine emblazoned with Capaldi’s glorious mug I was almost beside myself with anticipation of what he’d have to say about his take on the Doctor.

Then I realised – this behaviour is indicative of my pre-series rituals since the age of fourteen…

Every year I’ve devoured every possible scrap of information pertaining to the new series that I could possibly find; the Radio Times, Doctor Who Magazine, Newspapers, Tweets, Facebook posts, and much, much more.

As I read the interview I found myself having a back and forth in my mind about just what got me so pumped in the run up to a new series of Doctor Who – was my excitement genuine or, due to the talent of those at the BBC, was I getting more excited simply because up until now we’ve been offered such little information about the new series, the 12^th Doctor or what we can expect to see on our screens come the first episode’s airdate.

I’m more inclined to believe that the frenzy of excitement caused by the few trailers and images we’ve seen is due to the fact that we’ve been so starved of new Doctor Who content for so long.

That’s not to say I don’t like this strategy. Quite the contrary, I love the way the BBC draws out the experience for us. Like kids at Christmas, Doctor Who fans get more and more excited as we approach the big day and these little teasers help us to get in the true spirit of the event.

That’s why I was utterly appalled to learn that script for the first five episodes had been leaked online recently. I was even more appalled to discover that a certain faction of fans had read the scripts. While I understand the temptation to read these and to see exactly what we’re in for come the start of the new series, I must admit that, personally, I’d be absolutely devastated to know anything more about the plot of the episodes than what Steven Moffat or the BBC have let us know in advance. This isn’t necessarily so I can enjoy the show more, but so that all those hard working people that pour their hearts and souls into this programme don’t feel like their tight-lipped work-days have all been for nothing.

Imagine how your parents would feel if you opened your Christmas presents early? You’re denying crew behind the show the joy of watching us all geek-out over a well executed show! Don’t ruin Christmas. Don’t be that guy.

Now, I may have seen my share of filming pictures for the new series and, while some are potentially spoilery, many publishers (online or otherwise) manage to give fair warning of an upcoming day-ruiner and thus, crisis can be averted. Everybody is happy, those that want to be spoiled can be and those that wish to remain pure can do so as well.

I mention all of this because, in my quest for fresh (official) media relating to the new series I often, inadvertently, come across something which many would regard as a spoiler, from sources other than those directly related to show. While I find this disappointing I don’t throw my toys out the pram, it is after all, a risk of being a fan and using social media.

Stay sharp out there, one mis-click and you could know far more than you’d like to!

Going by what those in the know have told us, both at the Beeb and at Moffat-Manor, I must admit that this is the most excited for a series of Doctor Who I’ve been in a long time.

Everything about the upcoming run looks bum-tinglingly fantastic. Of course, what makes this series more exciting than most is of course, the new Doctor.

Naturally, this is what I’m most excited about.

The Doctor has a new body, a new personality and a new, darker, wardrobe! What snippets we’ve seen of the 12^th Doctor let us know very little about his character development since his days as Matt Smith, but as many are already saying, it seems he’s going to be a much grittier, much darker Doctor than we’ve seen before.

Older fans regularly call for a “darker” Doctor Who and it seems that they may well get their wish. What will be most interesting for me, will be seeing whether or not the team behind it manages to strike the balance between a darker tonality while still remaining child friendly. I’m certain we’re in safe hands – the production team and the Moff certainly know what they’re doing and Capaldi has some serious nerd-cred in so much as being a life-long Whovian!

In addition to the new Doc on the block, I’m excited to see the new direction the show is taking. Aside from a darker nature, there’s some seriously excellent writing and directing talent on board. It’s refreshing to see Moffat making space for talent on his roster of regulars. It’d be all too easy for someone in his position to churn out the usual stable of writers, directors and actors we’ve seen before. Luckily, with a new lead actor comes the much needed shake up which only seems natural.

With all of this in mind, I must admit that I’ve not been more giddy since I was a much younger man than I am now. Doctor Who became a huge part of my life at a relatively early age and I’m thrilled to say that the joy is still there. My passion hasn’t deteriorated with age, as I was worried it should have done, indeed, it’s increased.

I’d go so far as to say this may well be the best series we’ve seen since 2005. I love Chris and David and Matt and they were all marvellous in their own way but I truly feel that Peter is going to be one for the ages.

Bring on Capal-Day!