Steven Moffatt: End is near for Amy and Rory Pond

Arthur Darvill and Karen Gillan: Happily ever after?

It's official: The days of "Dr. Who" companions Amy and Rory Pond are numbered.

According to the show's Steven Moffatt, the beloved characters, portrayed by Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, will leave the show during the next series. He made the announcement at a screening of the Christmas episode, according to BBC News.

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

He also said the Doctor, played by Matt Smith, will meet "a new friend." Said Smith:

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

Gillan, for one, has been very vocal about how her character should end. On several occasions, she has expressed the opinion that Amy Pond should be killed off and not return for guest appearances. She recently told The Brilliant Book of Doctor Who 2012:

"Death would be an option. I don't want Amy to pop up again every so often, because for me it would take away from the big, emotional goodbye.

"Once she's gone, she's gone. I want people to remember the Amy Pond era as a good one."