Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole to play companions in Doctor Who

The BBC have confirmed entertainer Bradley Walsh as a new series regular on Doctor Who.

Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill are also joining the cast of the long-running sci-fi production the beeb has announced.

Bradley will star as Graham, Tosin will play Ryan and Mandip will play Yasmin whilst, in further casting news, Sharon D Clarke will feature in a ‘returning role’.

“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.” – Chris Chibnall, Head Writer

In further Doctor Who news new lead star Jodie Whittakers’ first full series will be a ten week run of fifty minute episodes in Autumn 2018, kicking off with a feature length hour for the opening launch.

ITV quiz-show host and former Coronation Street star Bradley was first reported by The Mirror to have joined the cast of Doctor Who back in August. However, the beeb didn’t confirm or deny the casting at the time. Walsh, who previously played a ‘scary clown’ in two episodes of Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures, is no stranger to acting but is best known for his comedy routines and entertainment appearances.

“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!” – Bradley Walsh

Mandip Gill is best known for her role as Phoebe Jackson in Hollyoaks. She starred in the soap between 2012-2015 when Phoebe became victim to the ‘Gloved Hand Killer’. Since leaving the barmy Channel 4 saga she has made appearances in Cuckoo, Doctors and Casualty for the beeb and The Good Karma Hospital for ITV.

“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.” – Mandip Gill

Tosin Cole’s previous credits include BBC2 teen drama The Cut, the second series of EastEnders‘ spin-off E20 and a role in Hollyoaks.

“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.” – Tosin Cole

The casting of Whittaker is the first time in the production’s history an actress has taken the lead role of the time lord. The Doctor has been, over its twelve previous incarnations, always portrayed as a male. Of course this is just a guise, as the character is an alien who can regenerate into whatever form required. The same is true of the transport device the TARDIS, however the storyline goes that due to a fault its stuck in the form of a 1930s police box, which is of course now a rare sight on British streets, but was still common place when Doctor Who began in 1963.

Whittaker, who recently starred in ITV drama Broadchurch, will first be seen in the top sci-fi role in this year’s Christmas special when the current doctor – played by Peter Capaldi – regenerates. Scottish actor Capaldi has played the doctor since 2013, but announced his decision to leave the role in January.

“I am so excited to share this huge adventure with Mandip, Tosin and Bradley. It’s a dream team!” – Jodie Whittaker

Doctor Who is a BBC Studios production for BBC One and a BBC America co-production.