Well, this makes me incredibly sad. One week before the eighth series of Doctor Who premieres on television screens, and right in the middle of the whirlwind world tour, the UK publication The Mirror is reporting that series star Jenna Coleman, she who plays the Doctor’s companion Clara Oswald, might be ready to hand over her TARDIS key at Christmas time.

The article which posted this evening on the Mirror‘s website cites “a source” says that talks have began for Coleman to vacate the role she’s had for 18 months, save a couple of earlier guest spots. The past few months have been especially eventful with the  50th Anniversary special, Matt Smith’s exit, and now Peter Capaldi’s entrance. The source says “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. She has been absolutely brilliant in the role, but everyone agrees it is a part that should change after a period.” The source also says that the decision is entirely mutual.

I love Coleman’s portrayal of Clara and she’s brought real humanity and likability to the role since day one. She’s now the heart of the show, as she bridges the gap between Smith and Capaldi. If she is indeed leaving, I’ll certainly be sad.

But, for some perspective –most companions don’t stay around much more than a couple of seasons. The very first companion of the new series, Rose Tyler played by Billie Piper, lasted two series and also was the link between Doctors Eccleston and Tennant. Just as the show’s lead actor changes, so too (and far more frequently) do the companions change. There’ve been almost 60 of them in the 50 years of the show. If indeed Coleman leaves at Christmas, she’ll have been in 25 episodes, more than Catherine Tate or Freema Agyeman, and only a couple less than Piper. That’s a pretty good run for a companion in the new show.

Source: Mirror

What do you think of this news? Will you be sad to see Clara go? Which companion departure has been the saddest for you up to now? Let’s talk about it below!