Matt Smith thanks Doctor Who fans by channeling Bob Dylan in online video - watch

Doctor Who star Matt Smith (BBC)

Doctor Who star Matt Smith has emulated Bob Dylan as he thanked fans for their support during his time on the show.

The actor, who has played The Doctor for three series, made a short film in which he held up a series of cards thanking viewers, co-stars and the boss of the programme, Steven Moffat.

Smith, who is seen in the video with his hair cropped for a new role, took his lead from Dylan who famously held up cards bearing some of the words in the film accompanying his song "Subterranean Homesick Blues".

Rory Kinnear leads the betting to be the replacement for Smith who announced he was leaving his role as the Time Lord earlier this month. He is expected to bow out after the Christmas special in December.

After flashing his handwritten notes in the online video, Smith added: "Doctor Who land, listen, this is a message to say thank you for all your support over the past four years, to Steven Moffat, all the brilliant cast and crew who've just made the whole journey a marvellous one.

"But really what makes this job truly spectacular is the fans and the support from the fans is truly unique. And it's meant a lot so thank you."

Smith also thanked his co-stars Karen Gillan, whom he called "the crazy ginger one", Arthur Darvill ("the one with the nose and funny bones") and Jenna Coleman ("the impossible girl in the short red dress").

He recorded his message in Detroit where he is filming although Dylan actually shot his film in London while visiting the UK, at the rear of the Savoy Hotel. It went on to feature in DA Pennebaker's film Don't Look Back chronicling his 1965 UK tour.

PA