Jenna Coleman reveals shock career move!

There are to be even more cast changes in the long running sci-fi series as Jenna Coleman has announced she is quitting her role on Doctor Who.

Jenna – known for her years on Emmerdale as Jasmine Thomas – plays the Doctor's companion Clara Oswald, a role she first appeared in 2012. This years Christmas episode will reportedly be her last.

This comes not long after the recasting of the Doctor himself. Matt Smith stepped down as the Doctor is an episode aired last year, and will be replaced in the upcoming series.

The next Doctor will be Peter Capaldi, best known for playing sweary spin doctor Malcom Tucker in The Thick of It. The new series is set to start on August 23rd.

A series insider has said that the decision was “mutual”.

"It's important to keep the series moving and fast-paced," they explained, "and the time is just starting to feel right and the feeling is that it could be a perfect Christmas storyline."

"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."

Jenna said that she's really happy about the move, but for the moment isn't thinking about the future.

“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.”