Doctor Who stars from the past and present: Matt Smith, David Tenant and Billie Piper

But as the show prepares to mark its 50th anniversary next year, have they seen the last of her?

Plans are afoot for the series to mark its half-century in "spectacular fashion" and there is growing speculation some of the Time Lord's most famous companions including Amy Pond and Rose Tyler will make cameos.

Gillan, 24, left the show in the moving episode The Angels Take Manhattan, which also saw the departure of her on-screen husband Rory Williams, played by Arthur Darvill.

It has been reported that former Doctors including David Tennant could be on board for brief returns to the cult programme.

"Next year is massive for the show. They are going to be pulling out all the stops," Day & Night is assured.