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Matt Smith has insisted that he won't be following Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill in leaving Doctor Who.

Showrunner Steven Moffat recently announced that the duo will be departing in 2012, with Gillan's exit being particularly "heartbreaking."

However, Smith said on The Graham Norton Show: "I am very happy to stay.

"I love it and love making the show."

Of Gillan's departure, Smith added: "There comes a time when a story reaches its conclusion and the essence of the show is that it constantly reinvents itself

"I'll miss Karen because she's my best mate. She's mad as a box of cats but she's a firecracker!"

Doctor Who airs a festive special on Christmas Day.

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