Last week brought news that resonated throughout the Doctor Who fandom: Jenna Coleman announced her departure from the beloved BBC America series, where she captivated audiences as Clara Oswald, the witty and resourceful schoolteacher who battled monsters alongside the Doctor. This revelation prompted immediate questions: Why is Jenna Coleman, the talented actress who brought Clara to life, leaving Doctor Who? And what does this mean for Peter Capaldi’s Doctor and the iconic TARDIS?
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Coleman shed light on the decision, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and character development. “Conversations have been going on for a while in terms of where is the best place, how can we tell the best story, time-wise,” Coleman explained. “We decided last year, it had only been one season with Peter, and there was a lot more to do. So that’s what it was, really. It was just about telling the best story we could. So, I’m hoping that’s what was done. I’m really pleased with it. I think it’s really cool. People will have to wait and see what happens!” This statement hints at a carefully considered exit, driven by a desire to serve the narrative arc of Clara Oswald.
The Timing of Clara’s Exit: A Story-Driven Decision
Coleman revealed that discussions about her departure began as early as the end of the previous season. With her contract concluding, the natural question arose: “Okay, when and how?” Rumors of her leaving had already begun to circulate due to the contract’s end, initiating conversations with Doctor Who executive producer Steven Moffat about crafting the perfect conclusion for Clara’s journey within the TARDIS. This collaborative approach underscores the respect for the character and the actress’s contribution to the show.
Image: Jenna Coleman portraying Clara Oswald in Doctor Who, showcasing her role as the Doctor’s companion.
When pressed for specifics on when Clara’s final episode would air, Coleman remained tight-lipped, emphasizing the desire for a surprise for the audience. This secrecy aligns with Doctor Who‘s tradition of dramatic reveals and emotional farewells, suggesting a poignant and memorable exit for Clara Oswald. Even the cliffhanger ending of the previous episode, where Clara seemingly faced extermination by the Daleks, was designed to keep viewers guessing about her fate.
Fan Reaction and Fond Memories: Jenna Coleman’s Impact on Doctor Who
The announcement of Jenna Coleman’s departure was met with an outpouring of support and affection from Doctor Who fans. Coleman described the response as “really warm and lovely,” expressing relief at finally being able to share the news after keeping it secret for an extended period. This positive reaction is a testament to the actress’s popularity and the strong connection she forged with viewers as Clara Oswald.
Reflecting on her final days filming Doctor Who, Coleman described the experience as surreal. “It did not feel real at all. I mean, it’s become more my home than my home actually is,” she confessed. The show had become deeply ingrained in her life, making the prospect of leaving emotionally challenging. The non-linear filming schedule further complicated matters, as her last scenes with Peter Capaldi were not necessarily emotionally charged farewell moments. Despite the difficulty, Coleman acknowledged the unique and “magical” nature of Doctor Who, highlighting the strong bonds she formed with the cast and crew, particularly Peter Capaldi.
Image: Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman as the Doctor and Clara, illustrating the dynamic partnership between the two characters.
Life After the TARDIS: Advice from a Fellow Doctor Who Alum
Coleman revealed that she sought advice from Matt Smith, who portrayed the Eleventh Doctor and also worked alongside her in Doctor Who. Their conversations centered on the transition to “life after Who,” pondering what happens “when you stop chasing monsters and traveling through time and space?” Smith, having experienced the phenomenon of leaving the show, offered valuable perspective and support, highlighting the unique shared experience of Doctor Who actors.
When playfully suggested about a spin-off featuring Clara and Michelle Gomez’s villainous Missy, Coleman enthusiastically responded, “Wow, that would be good, right? She is absolutely brilliant. I love Michelle.” This playful banter underscores the camaraderie among the cast and the potential for future Doctor Who related projects, even after her departure as Clara.
Looking back on her time on Doctor Who, Jenna Coleman fondly recalled the everyday joy and laughter on set. “Moments, I think. Moments with Matt and moments with Peter. I mean, literally, you’d laugh the whole way through. You laugh every single day,” she shared. The production team even compiled a video of outtakes, a testament to the lighthearted atmosphere behind the scenes of a show known for its fantastical adventures. Coleman emphasized the extraordinary nature of her job, acknowledging the shift in perspective where battling aliens in a time-traveling spaceship becomes “normal.”
Will Clara Oswald Ever Return to Doctor Who?
When asked about the possibility of returning to Doctor Who for guest appearances, similar to Billie Piper’s return for the 50th anniversary special, Coleman remained open. “Yeah, I would always be happy if there was a good story. But I think we’ll have to see what happens,” she stated, echoing a sentiment of hopeful ambiguity. This leaves the door open for future appearances, allowing fans to dream of Clara Oswald’s potential return to the Doctor Who universe.
Jenna Coleman’s portrayal of Clara Oswald has left an indelible mark on Doctor Who. Her wit, warmth, and compelling on-screen presence resonated with audiences, making Clara a beloved companion. While her departure marks the end of an era for this particular Doctor Who chapter, it also opens exciting new possibilities for both the actress and the long-running series. Fans eagerly anticipate Clara’s final episodes and the lasting legacy of Jenna Coleman’s contribution to the iconic world of Doctor Who.
