BBC America ran ran a live feed of the same special which aired on BBC 1 in the UK.  Amazingly, the 35 minute broadcast was NOT interrupted with any commercial breaks!  (Yeah I know the "real" BBC doesn't do product commercials, but BBCA does, so that's what made it very interesting.)

Fans had bounced around his name, but most thought Capaldi has grown too well known (having won an Oscar for a short subject film recently) for the production to seriously consider.  So while many fans "daydreamed" of Peter C. getting it, they figured the PTB would once again select a "young unknown".  So the announcement came as something of a double shock, though a pleasant one.

Funny enough, Capaldi's gaunt features remind me slightly of Peter Cushing, and for me, that's a good thing.  It makes him look "intense".

Here's another tidbit.  Capaldi is 55, the same age William Hartnell was when he originated the role of the Doctor in 1953.

Sincerely,

Bill

Tempt the Hand of Fate and it'll give you the "finger"!