Peter Capaldi confronted by ‘Dalek shopkeeper’

Capaldi told The Graham Norton Show that he constantly attracts smiles from people he meets after taking on the role. Picture: Ian West/PA

The 56-year-old actor said the man popped up with a sink plunger just hours after he was announced as the successor to Matt Smith playing The Doctorin the sci-fi series.

He told The Graham Norton Show that he constantly attracts smiles from people he meets after taking on the role.

Capaldi told presenter Norton, in an edition of the BBC1 show to be screened tomorrow: “The day after I was announced as The Doctor, I went to buy a light bulb in an old hardware store - like the one in the Four Candles sketch - and a bloke came out from behind the counter with a sink plunger stuck to his head.”

He went on: “I love being Doctor Who. I wake up in the morning and I’m Doctor Who, and when I go out to the shops and buy a pint of milk, I’m Doctor Who.

“Everywhere I go I am The Doctor and everyone smiles at me - they are pleased to see Doctor Who, who’s far more exciting than I am.”

Also on Norton’s show is Hollywood star Denzel Washington, soon to be seen in The Equalizer, who said he has problem with taking on action roles even though he celebrates his 60th birthday in December.

“I’ve boxed for 20 years and I try to stay fit,” he said. “I don’t worry about getting hurt, I’ve read the script and know I win the fight. The stunt men make it safe, they take care of me.”

• The Graham Norton Show is on BBC1 tomorrow at 10.35pm.