The ninth series marks Peter Capaldi's second full series as the twelfth incarnation of the Doctor. Following the departure of Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald during the 2014 Christmas special, a new full-time companion was needed. On January 11, 2015, it was announced that Kate Bracken would replace Coleman as the next companion. Showrunner Steven Moffat stated that her character will be different from previous companions. In March 2015, it was announced that actor Tom Hughes will join the cast as the recurring character, James Warwick.