Jenna Coleman has no doubt given Doctor Who fans the best holiday gift of all. She confirmed just days ago that she planned to stay on through season 9, portraying the immensely popular Clara Oswald. Fans had likely been biting their nails ever since Jenna let on that she was unsure as to whether or not she would return.

“It’s wonderful,” she said during an interview with the New York Daily News. “I get a whole other series of stories with the Doctor and I couldn’t walk away with the story being unresolved. There is so much more to do. I think they’ve finally just reached a point where they really understand each other.”

Coleman seemed especially excited to be once again teamed with the Twelfth Doctor, who is played by Peter Capaldi.

“It’s wonderful. I get a whole other series of stories with the Doctor and I couldn’t walk away with the story being unresolved,” she said. “There is so much more to do. I think they’ve finally just reached a point where they really understand each other.”

Clara was first paired with the Eleventh Doctor, who was played by Matt Smith. With Capaldi now playing the iconic character, Coleman said that she has enjoyed the experience of ‘depicting the duo’s evolving relationship.’

“The arrival of the Twelfth Doctor has just kind of dropped this whole bombshell and allowed the dynamic to totally change,” Jenna said. “So I think just when Clara was feeling more comfortable in the relationship, it has suddenly thrown something new up.”

What does the Doctor think about Jenna Coleman sticking around for at least another season?

“I’m thrilled,” Capaldi said. “Jenna has just been fantastic and such a pleasure to work with.”

Check out some fun facts about Doctor Who, as presented by the Jenna Coleman and Matt Smith.

Are you a Doctor Who fan? Are you among those thrilled to learn that Jenna Coleman will continue on as Clara Oswald for yet another season?