Jenna Coleman Leaving Doctor Who Influenced Steven Moffat To Do The Same

Having your heart broken can make people walk away from things that they love. For Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat, heartbreak helped him to make up his mind to walk away from the show.

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Every relationship, regardless of whether or not it is on a professional or personal level, has its share of heartbreak. You get close to people, and when they leave, there is a sense of loss that is not easy to overcome. Sometimes, that feeling of loss never goes away. It can even lead one to, likewise, walk away from things that they otherwise enjoy.

Such is the case with Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat. While everyone knew that, at some point in time, Jenna Coleman would be leaving the show, it still hurt on some level. After seeing several people to whom he had gotten close over the years leave, Coleman’s departure was the last one that Moffat could handle.

"“I think that’s why I have to go before I get my heart broken again. Matt’s gone, Karen’s gone, Jenna’s gone, so it’s sad,” Moffat said."

It is strange to think that, for someone who has a reputation for killing off characters, the departure of the stars of Doctor Who would have such an impact. However, given that Moffat really is a fan first, it makes sense. He connects with the characters, just like we do when we watch the show. The difference is, he gets to be around the people behind the characters as well.

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And that can take a toll. As fans, we have our moment of loss, then we look forward to the next companion, the next Doctor, or the next recurring character. For Moffat, and others working on the show, each departure means that a trusted friend and colleague has left. After a time, that can wear on a person.

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Steven Moffat has seen his fair share of departures during his time on Doctor Who. After Jenna Coleman left, he could not handle any more.