The 10th series of BBC's long-running science fiction series "Doctor Who" is still a year away from its release, but the internet is spilling with speculations regarding the various aspects of the upcoming season, including the cast and the plot.

According to a recent rumour that surfaced on the internet, Matt Smith is open to the idea of returning as the Doctor even though Peter Capaldi will be seen as the next Doctor on the series.

As reported by Carter Matt, Smith hopes to return as the Doctor in the upcoming season as he said last year, "They will ask me one day, won't they?" Steven Moffat, the executive producer of the show, had also hinted at Smith's comeback, saying Matt is "quite open about how much he misses it, and how much he wishes he hadn't left."

Capaldi has been confirmed to play the titular role in the next season. However, it is not yet revealed how long he will be remaining with the show. Several rumours state that he is going to quit next year, but nothing to the effect has been confirmed yet.

Moffat, however, is departing as the show-runner next year for sure and will be replaced by Chris Chibnall. Smith's Doctor has garnered a huge fan following and they will for sure be disappointed to watch him leave. However, they are hoping Smith would make a guest appearance, similar to David Tenant's in the 50th anniversary special.

Series 10 of "Doctor Who" is scheduled to be released in the first half of 2017, though an official date has not been announced yet. However, fans will be delighted to know that a Christmas Special is all set to premiere at the end of this year.