Gameshow host and actor Bradley Walsh has been confirmed as a regular cast member in the upcoming new series of Doctor Who.
Rumours of Walsh’s casting were greeted with mockery by some fans when they broke over the summer but today BBC bosses confirmed that The Chase host and Law and Order actor will indeed join the Tardis crew as new companion Graham.
He, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill will join new Doctor Jodie Whittaker alongside Sharon D Clarke who takes on an unnamed “returning role”.
The new series will be shorter, with just ten episodes – down from the current 12 episodes per season – when it returns in Autumn 2018.
New showrunner Chris Chibnall said: “The new Doctor is going to need new friends. We’re thrilled to welcome Mandip, Tosin and Bradley to the Doctor Who family.
“They’re three of Britain’s brightest talents and we can’t wait to see them dive into brand new adventures with Jodie’s Doctor. Alongside them, we’re delighted that Sharon D Clarke is also joining the show.”
Jodie Whittaker commented: “I am so excited to share this huge adventure with Mandip, Tosin and Bradley. It’s a dream team!”
Bradley Walsh says: “I remember watching William Hartnell as the first Doctor. Black and white made it very scary for a youngster like myself. I was petrified but even though I’d watch most of it from behind the sofa through my fingers, I became a fan.
“I then queued up for ages to get into the Carlton picture house in Watford to watch the great Peter Cushing appear as the Doctor in a full length feature film made in glorious colour.
“Am I thrilled to be part of this whole ground breaking new dawn for the Doctor?? Oh yes!”
Mandip Gill said: “I am over the moon to be joining the Doctor Who family. This is an iconic show with an amazing fanbase and I look forward to everything that brings.
“Certain roles seem unattainable and this is one of those, so much so I didn’t believe it to be true for the first few weeks.
“To be working alongside the likes of Jodie, Bradley and my old friend Tosin is thrilling. This show is worlds away from the work I’ve done previously and that’s the part that excites me the most.”
Tosin Cole says: “I’m grateful and excited to be a part of this journey with the team. I’m looking forward to jumping in this Doctor Who universe.”
Matt Strevens, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said: “I am thrilled to welcome Bradley, Mandip and Tosin to the new Who family.
“Working with three such talented actors is going to be a lot of fun. The Doctor is in fine company.”
Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama said: “The casting of Mandip, Tosin and Bradley is a mark of the new creative ambition Chris is bringing to Doctor Who.
“He’s already made history with the casting of Jodie. These three new characters complete a new and utterly unmissable team aboard the Tardis.”