Doctor Who is in the market for a brand new sidekick, as current companions Amy and Rory Pond will leave the show during the next series in a "heartbreaking" fashion.

Alex Kingston, Arthur Darvill, Matt Smith and Karen Gillan. Credit: BBC

The show's head honcho Steven Moffatt broke the news after a screening at BBC TV Centre last night of the Christmas special.

"The final days of the Ponds are coming," he said. "I'm not telling you when or how, but that story is going to come to a heartbreaking end."

He also said that the Doctor was going to make a "new friend", but as far as anyone knows, the part has not been cast yet.

Matt Smith, the current incarnation of the Doctor, said he would miss Pond actors Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, who joined the show at the same time he took over from David Tennant.

"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," he said.

"So it's very disappointing, but one has to remember that this show is about change and regeneration, and that's what galvanises it and pushes it forwards." ®