Peter Capaldi passionately defends the BBC: "It's so important that people don't let this magnificent thing vanish"

The Doctor Who star has spoken out in support of the Beeb, calling it "one of the great organisations of the world"

 The RadioTimes

By Ellie Walker-Arnott

5 October 2015

Peter Capaldi has spoken out in defence of the BBC, calling it "the most special, special organisation."

The Doctor Who star, who has also appeared in BBC series The Musketeers, The Hour and The Thick of It, told US chat show host Larry King about his concerns for the broadcaster's future, in light of the government's recent green paper.

"The BBC is one of the great organisations of the world, the most special, special organisation," Capaldi told King.

"With the new government that we have, the organisation that makes our show, the BBC... [is] under threat. I think it's seriously under threat from the government."

Asked why the BBC is facing an uncertain future, the 57-year-old said: "I think the government doesn't think that the BBC supports it... because it is not answerable to shareholders and it entertains ideas – all kinds of ideas about Britain and about history and about the world and about art – that I think the government would rather not... they don't want to pay for it.

"The BBC represents the spirit of our country," Capaldi continues, saying that he hopes viewers know how serious the crisis is and get behind the Corporation.

"It is so important that people don't let this magnificent thing vanish. It is that dangerous." 

Doctor Who continues on Saturdays on BBC1