Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill to leave Doctor Who

Doctor Who show-runner Steven Moffat has confirmed the next series of the popular BBC sci-fi will see the departures of actors Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill.

Moffat made the announcement during a screening of this year’s Christmas Special, The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe, at Television Centre. Moffat told the audience that ‘The final days of the Ponds are coming,  I’m not telling you when or how, but that story is going to come to a heartbreaking end.”

There had already been much debate over the involvement of Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill in the next series. Although both actors confirmed their involvement it was widely speculated they would not be in the entire series and may only appear as ‘recurring characters’ across the seventh season. The characters of Amy Pond and Rory Williams were revealed to be the parents of River Song (Alex Kingston) during the sixth season revealing the most of the mystery surrounding the time-travelling archaeologist.

Matt Smith, on the actor’s departure from Doctor Who, is quoted by BBC News as saying ‘We had the most incredible journey. We took over the show and we’ve really had to hold hands and help each other through it.  So it’s very disappointing, but one has to remember that this show is about change and regeneration, and that’s what galvanizes it and pushes it forwards.”

Moffat confirmed the next series would introduce ‘a new friend’ for the Doctor but as yet the role has – reportedly – not been cast. So expect plenty of tabloid stories about whom the producers have lined up for the role…

• You can watch two new previews of The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe here >>