Rumor: Doctor Who's Jenna-Louise Coleman Leaving the Show

Jenna-Louise Coleman, who plays Clara Oswald on Doctor Who, is reportedly planning to leave, with next year's Christmas Special being her final episode, according to British tabloid The Mirror.

Of course, their clearance rate on rumors like this isn't as high as most fans would like before buying into such a rumor, and the report is so far not getting a lot of traction outside of the fan community.

There had been some speculation that she might have left when the previous Doctor, Matt Smith, departed last Christmas, but she stayed on and will play a key role with incoming series star Peter Capaldi.

The Mirror cites a source as saying:

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.

The BBC wouldn't comment on the story, but it seems contradicted by remarks Coleman made in a just-released interview with The Independent.

"At the moment I'm really happy," she said. "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."

There have been dozens of companions to The Doctor since the series launched in 1963, including Guardians of the Galaxy star Karen Gillan. Coleman, too, was a member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a small role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier shortly before she started on Doctor Who.

There is at least one other companion, a male, set to appear in the upcoming season.