Originally published August 17, 2014. Updated February 24, 2020.
As Doctor Who fans prepare for the upcoming premiere of series eight and the introduction of Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor, a new rumour has emerged via the British tabloid The Mirror (so read into that what you will) claiming that Jenna Coleman will be leaving her role as the Doctor’s companion Clara Oswald in this year’s Christmas Special.
According to a “source” for the newspaper, “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. It was very much a mutual decision. It’s important to keep the series moving and fast-paced, and the time is just starting to feel right and the feeling is that it could be a perfect Christmas storyline.”
Clara Oswald was introduced in the series seven episode ‘The Bells of Saint John’ as a companion for Matt Smith, although Coleman had appeared as Oswin Oswald in ‘Asylym of the Daleks’ and Clara Oswin Oswald in the 2012 Christmas Special ‘The Snowmen’. She will next be seen as Clara in the series eight premiere ‘Deep Breath’, which airs next Saturday, August 23rd. Watch the trailer here.
