Matt Smith posts Doctor Who farewell video online

Departing Doctor Who Matt Smith has posted a heartfelt video thank you to fans of the sci-fi show online as he prepares to bid farewell to the TV character.

The actor holds up handwritten notes to the camera while standing on a street in Detroit, Michigan following a night shoot and then breaks his silence by yelling out his thanks.

He says, "Doctor Who land, listen, this is a message to say thank you for all your support over the past four years.

"To (writer) Steven Moffat, all the brilliant cast and crew, who have just made the whole journey a marvelous one... thank you."

Smith's signed thanks included cryptic notes to "THE CRAZY GINGER ONE" and "THE IMPOSSIBLE GIRL IN THE SHORT RED DRESS" and he added: "TO THE FANS, TO YOU I OWE THE BIGGEST THANKYOU."

The actor concluded the video by yelling "Thank you" while holding a piece of paper with the phrase written on it.

Smith will depart the series at Christmas (13). His replacement has yet to be named.