Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat has revealed that Season 9 will continue to explore the “real” consequences of the companion’s relationship with the Doctor.

Season 9 begins filming in January and it is rumoured that Jenna Coleman will depart as Clara in this year’s Christmas special, ‘Last Christmas’, making way for a new companion next year.

> Here’s everything we know about Season 9 so far.

Discussing how Season 9’s Doctor/companion dynamic will develop, Moffat told SFX: “We took the Doctor/companion relationship to a place that’s just more real in [Season 8], much more damaging and with more consequences. And whoever the companion is [in Season 9], you want to continue that idea.”

He hinted: “It can be a thrilling, exciting relationship but actually it can be a dangerous one too. That felt quite powerful and potent.”

The showrunner added: “What we did this year felt like what it would be like if a young girl got into a very intense friendship with an older time traveller. It’s not the romantic version, it’s not the thwarted romantic version, it’s not the friendship version, it’s not the fairytale version or the imaginary friend version. It’s probably the version that would actually happen.”

> Order Season 8 on DVD on Amazon.

> Order Season 8 on Blu-ray on Amazon.

What are your hopes for Season 9’s companion? Let us know below…