For the next series of Doctor Who, the Ponds will be leaving the TARDIS.

And while many assumed they wouldn’t depart until later in the season, actress Karen Gillan hints that Amy’s departure could come sooner than expected–and be fairly permanent.

“I feel sad, because I am gonna leave, but with any story, it has to come to an end. It was a mutual decision with me and [Doctor Who showrunner] Steven Moffat,” she says. “We had this lovely dinner and decided when the best time for me to go was, and it’s been decided. So I’m excited and slightly scared.”

When asked how many episodes Gillan would be in, the actress replied: “There’s going to be a few episodes. A few really good episodes.”