Current DOCTOR WHO overlord Steven Moffat has confirmed that we'll have to brace ourselves for some tough farewells come next year, when Amy & Rory Pond exit the show in what he describes only as a "heartbreaking storyline"...

With the average life-span of a companion around the three year mark, this news shouldn't come as much of a surprise, and nor should the news that Karen Gillan is already eyeing a multitude of projects, including a return to stage.

She will next be seen playing the lead role of 60's icon Jean Shrimpton (pictured below) in a BBC drama chronicling the supermodel's relationship with photographer David Bailey.

Moffat would not reveal at what point Gillan and Darvill will end their run, but did have something to say about their eventual replacements...

“...the Doctor is going to meet a new friend and I am not going to tell you about he, she or it.”

Whoa, easy there Steve! Spoiler alert!

How would you like to see the Ponds exit the show? Suggestions for future companions? Who's up for campaigning for the return of Adric? Share your thoughts with your fellow readers in the Comments below or on Twitter @Starburst_Mag