Awww.... the rumors floated around for a bit, but too bad to see they were true! Even so, as much as I enjoyed him (although cautiously at first, still torn over Ten leaving....... ha, this happens every time, huh? 
), like others said, looking forward to seeing where they'll take it too. And also doubt John Hurt... he's got a different role to play. Suspecting something to do with the Valeyard, or perhaps a 'first' version of him before took on 'the name', or the version of him that we never saw that went through the Time War... would be interesting, and hopefully awesome, whatever it is. (but... wait... then, would that mean that Eleven isn't technically #11, if that were the case? o.o)
I really do love, though, the 'parting' comments that I've been finding quoted online... sweet statements from both of them:
Matt Smith's statement on his Doctor Who departure:
"Doctor Who has been the most brilliant experience for me as an actor and a bloke, and that largely is down to the cast, crew and fans of the show. I'm incredibly grateful to all the cast and crew who work tirelessly every day to realise all the elements of the show and deliver Doctor Who to the audience. Many of them have become good friends and I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last four years.
“Having Steven Moffat as showrunner write such varied, funny, mind-bending and brilliant scripts has been one of the greatest and most rewarding challenges of my career. It's been a privilege and a treat to work with Steven, he's a good friend and will continue to shape a brilliant world for the Doctor.
“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!
“It's been an honour to play this part, to follow the legacy of brilliant actors, and helm the TARDIS for a spell with 'the ginger, the nose and the impossible one'. But when ya gotta go, ya gotta go and Trenzalore calls. Thank you guys. Matt."
Steven Moffat on Matt Smith's departure from Doctor Who:
"Every day, on every episode, in every set of rushes, Matt Smith surprised me: the way he'd turn a line, or spin on his heels, or make something funny, or out of nowhere make me cry, I just never knew what was coming next. The Doctor can be clown and hero, often at the same time, and Matt rose to both challenges magnificently. And even better than that, given the pressures of this extraordinary show, he is one of the nicest and hardest-working people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Whatever we threw at him - sometimes literally - his behaviour was always worthy of the Doctor.
“But great actors always know when it's time for the curtain call, so this Christmas prepare for your hearts to break, as we say goodbye to number Eleven. Thank you Matt - bow ties were never cooler.
“Of course, this isn't the end of the story, because now the search begins. Somewhere out there right now - all unknowing, just going about their business - is someone who's about to become the Doctor. A life is going to change, and Doctor Who will be born all over again! After 50 years, that's still so exciting!”
Sweet. 
besleybean wrote:
Captain Jack is one of the most important characters in the show since 2005 and he should be in this episode...
