Jenna-Louise Coleman – who currently plays Clara Oswald, the current assistant to current Doctor Who Time Lord, Peter Capaldi – is reportedly leaving the British science fiction show after the Christmas episode.
According to the Sunday Express, Coleman is currently on a promotional tour with twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi for the eighth season of Doctor Who. According to the Daily Mail, Coleman has been with the series since 2012, where she premiered in the episode “Asylum of the Daleks.”
The Sunday Mirror notes that Coleman will be replaced by another unknown side-kick, who has already been contracted for multiple seasons.
An unnamed source told the Mirror that, "The conversations about Jenna's exit have started, and a plan is in place which is being ironed out.
“By the time she leaves she will be one of the longest-standing companions ever,” the source added. "She has been absolutely brilliant in the role, but everyone agrees it is a part that should change after a period."
"It's important to keep the series moving and fast-paced,” the source noted, “and the time is just starting to feel right and the feeling is that it could be perfect Christmas storyline.”
The source eventually noted that it was "very much a mutual decision.”
During a recent interview, Capaldi claimed that his favorite thing about working on the long-standing British series has been his interactions with Coleman, stating “Jenna has been absolutely incredible. My favorite thing about joining Doctor Who has been working with Jenna. She does everything with such grace and class.”
Coleman, according to the Daily Mail, has not commented or thought about “the future” and is simply “enjoying” her time on the show, saying “At the moment I'm really happy. It's one of those jobs that will only happen once - the whole adventure that it brings. The key is not to worry about the future, and enjoy it.”
As we reported, Doctor Who returns to BBC One on August 23. As noted by Fashion & Style, there have been no details about the plot of the Christmas special.
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