Usually I refrain from pushing gossip, but this actually sounds legitimate. The Mirror is reporting Clara, played by Jenna Louise Coleman, is leaving after Christmas. Initially, I was skeptical regarding the article, but the publication has a track record. They were aware of Peter Capaldi becoming the 12th Doctor, which lead to the BBC announcement. They also revealed Coleman being cast.

With the likelihood of Clara leaving, the big question is why? My theory is the writing. This season’s Doctor will be darker. Are they trying to lighten him up in the next round? Does the BBC feel that they may lose viewers when taking an old school approach?

Perhaps Coleman has another role she is exiting to pursue. That sentence makes little sense even as I type. A companion on Doctor Who is only second to the Doctor himself. Willingly walking away doesn’t sit well with me. Even a short tenure on the show has made her royalty.

If she does leave, my money is on production wanting to write a different storyline. One that involves another sappy love story. One that casts a wide, wide, net and alienates old school Whovians. Do I pray to the Ancient Aliens that I’m wrong- of course. Does my rationale sound that far fetched? Exactly. (See River Song.)

With my mind running laps of terror, it could just be that her time is up and her arc has completed. My gut didn’t receive those sensory receptors, when reading the article.

The void of Clara would be nothing short of asteroid shocking. We’ve only received a taste of our souffle girl. Give us at least one more season, Steven Moffat!

[Source]