Jenna Coleman's future with 'Doctor Who' remains uncertain

LONDON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Jenna Coleman may still depart Doctor Who.

The 28-year-old actress has portrayed Clara Oswald, assistant to the 11th (Matt Smith) and later, 12th (Peter Capaldi) Doctor, on the BBC One series since 2012. Showrunner Steven Moffat confirmed Capaldi will return for at least two more seasons this week to The Hollywood Reporter, but said Coleman's future with the series remains uncertain.

Rumors of Coleman's impending departure first emerged in August. A source told the Mirror the decision was mutual and intended to keep the series fast-paced, and suggested the actress will exit the show during the program's annual Christmas special.

Doctor Who has been a BBC staple since its original debut in 1963. The sci-fi drama ran for 26 consecutive seasons, and was revived in 2005. The series follows the Doctor, an alien who travels through space and time in the sentient spaceship TARDIS.

Coleman came to fame as Jasmine Thomas on ITV soap opera Emmerdale. The actress has also appeared on BBC One series Waterloo Road and Death Comes to Pemberley, and BBC Two musical drama Dancing on the Edge.