New Doctor Who Peter Capaldi got some helpful tips on how to cope with the pressure of the iconic role from a very useful source - previous Time Lords Matt Smith and David Tennant.

The Scottish actor, 56, took over from Smith, 31, in the hit sci-fi TV series last year (13) and his full debut as the time-traveling adventurer aired last weekend (23-24Aug14).

He had previously told how landing the part was a childhood dream come true, but now he has confessed he was secretly terrified of taking on the role and received some wise words of advice from a previous and much younger incumbent.

Capaldi tells British newspaper The Sun, "I think I would have found this difficult when I was Matt's age. At that age, I was less assured as an actor than he is and not so in touch with my skills. I was watching him the other night in an old episode - he has such a magic and wisdom about him. And he's been a big help to me. Both he and David Tennant have been tremendously helpful."