As initially reported this week, Coleman will indeed take the lead role in ITV’s upcoming Queen Victoria series, departing Doctor Who in an unknown episode of the coming season, which itself premieres only tomorrow night.
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In the season 9 opener, The Doctor, Missy, and Clara (Jenna Coleman) found themselves on the Dalek planet of Skaro disguised as a mysterious headquarters of sort afloat in space.
Though Jenna will leave Doctor Who, she says she’s still in a bit of denial about the reality. Coleman herself confirmed as much in an interview with Nick Grimshaw, a host on BBC Radio 1 earlier this morning. She stayed on board the TARDIS for all of Peter Capaldi’s episodes to date and after filming for the last series finished, Peter commented, “Jenna has been absolutely brilliant”.
As Clara, Coleman has been the longest-standing companion of the Doctor since the reboot of the show in 2005.
The rumour mill will undoubtedly shoot into overdrive with the two announcements, and many may suggest that River Song could officially become the Doctor’s assistant for the first time.
The 29-year-old beauty – who has portrayed Clara Oswald, the Doctor’s companion since 2012 – admits her departure from the BBC One show has “been in the works” for a while. Playing the Paul McCartney role, Coleman even goes barefoot for authenticity, while Capaldi models his new Doctor’s outfit. “It’s been so much fun, I love it. It’s a unique beast”. Apparently she’s been thinking about leaving the precious TARDIS behind for awhile now and Steven Moffat, the writer and producer of this season has created a story for Clara so she will exit the show at the right time.
Coleman’s final season of “Doctor Who” debuts Saturday, September 19 at 9 p.m. on BBC America.
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Jenna Coleman is set to star as a young Queen Victoria in their major new drama series Victoria. “I think she’s wonderful in the show, and she’s my favorite companion”.
