Bradley Walsh confirmed for new Doctor Who as new cast are announced…

Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmm…

Remember a who ago we reported that there was rumours that Coronation Street star and gameshow host Bradley Walsh was signed on to play the companion to new Doctor Jodie Whitaker in the next series of Doctor Who (here)? Well, it seems that Walsh has indeed joined the cast as only tonight The BBC confirmed he will play a character in the show called Graham.

However, exactly what his role will be is so far unconfirmed, but we’re confident we’ll see him a lot as it is a recurring role according to the Beeb.

Also joining the cast are Hollyoaks stars Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill, also playing regular characters Ryan and Yasmin. So far, as with Walsh, who exactly they are in the scheme of the series has yet to be revealed.

Finally, one last addition to the cast (so far) is actress and singer Sharon D Clarke in a “returning role”. What exactly this means is unclear but we have to assume she’ll be a re-imagining of a familiar character from Who’s long history.

Here’s the new cast in order of mentions above:

According to The BBC’s official announcement: 

New head writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall, who made the decision to cast the first ever woman in the iconic role, is also shaking up who will travel with the Doctor in the Tardis, with a team of new characters.

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

Bradley Walsh added: “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 said: “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 he was “thrilled to welcome Bradley, Mandip and Tosin to the new Who family” while Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama added: “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.”

As we reported earlier too, the new series will be a ten-week run of fifty minute episodes beginning in Autumn 2018, kicking off with a feature-length hour.

We’ll meet the new Doctor this Christmas Day when Peter Capaldi bids farewell to the role…

Thoughts on the news? Let us know.