Matt Smith has called the exit of Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill from Doctor Who 'disappointing', after Steven Moffat announced Amy Pond and Rory Williams will be leaving next year.
Matt Smith, who plays the Eleventh Doctor, said he would miss the Ponds but praised the show's 'ability to change'.
'It is very disappointing,' he admitted. 'We took over the show and had to hold hands and help each other.
'But this show is about change and regeneration and that is very galvanising and pushes it forward.'
Speaking at the Doctor Who press screening in London, executive producer Moffat said the pair will be leaving the show at some point during next series, before hinting at the return on River Song.
He said: 'The final days of the Ponds are coming during the next series. Then the Doctor will meet a new friend.'
Karen Gillan has starred as the Doctor's companion since Matt Smith took over the role in 2010, with husband Rory later becoming the first full-time male companion.
The Ponds are set to leave 'heartbreakingly', with the BBC insisting that the decision for Karen to leave the show was a mutual one.
I myself think it's a shame, she is one of the most gorgeous companions ever.
