The Bloom is Off the Rose: Billie Piper to Leave "Doctor Who"

It looks like the Doctor will have to find a new traveling companion...

Just as I had finally come to terms with Christopher Eccleston's departure from the British cult series Doctor Who (which recently wrapped its first season Stateside last week), BBC News is reporting that star Billie Piper will also leave the series.

Piper, who plays the Doctor's shopgirl-turned-time traveler Rose, will take her last spin in the the Doctor's TARDIS at the conclusion of the second season, in an episode fittingly entitled "Doomsday."

"Rose and I have gone on the most incredible journey over the past two years. It has been an amazing adventure, and I can confirm it comes to an end - for now at least - as series two climaxes," said Piper in a statement. "I am truly indebted to Russell [T. Davies] for giving me the chance to play Rose Tyler, and to all the Doctor Who fans old and new who have been so supportive of me in this amazing role. Thank you so much. "

According to series creator Russell T. Davies, the Doctor Who production team was well aware of Piper's decision to leave the series in advance and have created a "stunning exit" for Rose in the "Doomsday" episode:

"The Doctor lives a dangerous life and when Rose joined him on his adventures she was aware of this. With a series climax called Doomsday on its way, I can't guarantee who will survive and who won't, but I can assure you the TARDIS is going on its scariest journey yet!"

Piper will next be seen in the BBC's television adaptation of the novel "The Ruby in the Smoke," from best-selling author Phillip Pullman ("His Dark Materials"). The first installment of a trilogy, The Ruby in the Smoke is currently being filmed; its sequel, The Shadow in the North, is also set to film later this summer. Piper will play the lead character, Sally Lockhart.

Sad, sad news. As English poet Robert Herrick once said, "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may..."