Tom Baker is easily the most popular Doctor from the classic era of Doctor Who. He was in the role for seven seasons. As much as he loves the show, Matt Smith has no desire to compete for the Baker record.

This is the first time Doctor Who has made the cover of Entertainment Weekly, and additionally the first time a TV franchise based entirely outside the United States has had this honor. In an extensive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Matt Smith dropped this item concerning the upcoming Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special and his potential longevity in the franchise.

EW:   Have you discussed with Steven an end date to your tenure as the Doctor?
Smith:  Not really, no. We’ve got too much to plan in the meantime. We’ve got the 50th anniversary stuff next year. I take it year by year. Because it’s such a commitment on your life. I don’t think you could do it for 7 years, like Tom Baker did. It would age you too savagely. The great thing about the Doctor is that there’s no stop sign. He can keep going and keep evolving and he can surprise you and the moment he stops surprising you is probably the moment that you should hand it over. But he still surprises me, so I’m still hanging in there.

Much of what Smith had to say to EW is old-hat to fans who followed Comic Con coverage. The information mostly repeats similar themes of the Ponds’ departure, Jenna-Louise Coleman coming aboard, and previously announced guest stars and directors. However Smith did let two tidbits slip. He confirmed that he is in Victorian garb for reasons unknown, and that he has a new hat. He also revealed a line of dialogue from the as of yet untitled episode starring Diana Rigg: “Well, thanks a million, you three. Have some Pontefract Cakes on me.” Smith didn’t state whose line it was and leaves fans to speculate.

What do you make of the information? Is Smith foreshadowing his departure? What does that line of dialogue mean, and who says it?