Billie Piper is quitting her role as Doctor Who's feisty sidekick, but writers have refused to say whether her character will be exterminated in the final episode.

Piper, 23, will step into the Tardis for the last time as Rose Tyler at the end of the present series.

"Rose and I have gone on the most incredible journey over the past two years," she said.

"It has been an amazing adventure, and I can confirm it comes to an end - for now at least - as series two climaxes."

The 23-year-old has starred alongside Timelords Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant in the hit BBC1 show written by Russell T Davies.

She added: "I am truly indebted to Russell for giving me the chance to play Rose, 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."

The writer promised a "stunning exit" for Piper in the final episode, which is called Doomsday and will see Rose and the Doctor battling against a huge invasion set to destroy the Earth. But he refused to say whether the character will be killed off.

"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," said Davies.

The role earned Piper the Most Popular Actress title at last year’s National Television Awards.

The news comes despite Ms Piper and Mr Tennant saying they wanted to make a third series.

Davies said: "It has been a wonderful experience working with Billie. We will miss her and wish her all the success in the world for her future."

The former pop star and ex-wife of DJ Chris Evans is filming her first lead role as Victorian sleuth Sally Lockhart in BBC drama The Ruby In The Smoke.

Piper, who recently announced plans to write her autobiography, first shot to fame as a teenage pop star when she was 15 after being talent-spotted while studying at the Sylvia Young Theatre School.

She became the first UK female solo artist to have two Number Ones in the same year since Cilla Black way back in 1964.

She had several other hits before quitting music to focus on acting. She appeared in Bella and the Boys and Canterbury Tales before landing the role of Rose in Doctor Who in 2005.

The actress married presenter Evans in Las Vegas in 2001 - they split three years later in 2004, but remain friends.

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