Bradley Walsh has praised John Bishop’s casting as the new Doctor Who companion, after he departed the sci-fi series on New Year’s Day.
The actor, 60, said he hopes the comedian can ‘get a few funny lines in,’ as he insisted John, 54, is going to do ‘fantastically well’ in the role.
John is set to join Doctor Who for the upcoming 13th series, which is still being filmed after facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘He’ll do fantastically well!’ Bradley Walsh, 60, has praised John Bishop’s casting as the new Doctor Who companion, after he departed the sci-fi series on New Year’s Day
Speaking on The One Show, Bradley, who played Graham on the series, said: ‘Actually Bishi I’ve spoke to Bishi a few times and he’s a pal of mine, and he’s gonna do fantastically well.
‘Not just that Bishop’s a fine actor, he’s worked with Ken Loach he knows what’s doing, he’s a fine actor, I just hope he can get funny lines in!
‘When you’re my age, our age forgive me, you get the chance to do some quirky quips, so hopefully he’ll get away with a few of those.’
Exciting: The actor said he hopes the comedian can ‘get a few funny lines in,’ after his casting was announced on New Year’s Day
Bradley’s final scenes on Doctor Who aired earlier this month as Graham decided to leave the TARDIS alongside his grandson Ryan, with the pair vowing to continue their extraterrestrial investigations on Earth.
Minutes after the episode’s end, viewers learned that John had joined the cast, and will take on the role of Dan when he makes his first appearance later this year.
He will star opposite Jodie Whittaker as the titular Time Lord, and Mandip Gill, who plays Yaz.
Praised: Bradley said on The One Show: ‘Not just that Bishop’s a fine actor, he’s worked with Ken Loach he knows what’s doing, he’s a fine actor, I just hope he can get funny lines in!’
Talking about the new role, the comedian said: ‘If I could tell my younger self that one day I would be asked to step on board the TARDIS, I would never have believed it.
‘It’s an absolute dream come true to be joining Doctor Who and I couldn’t wish for better company than Jodie and Mandip.’
It comes as rumours swirled that Jodie will be leaving Doctor Who after the 13th series, with another actor set to take on the iconic role when she regenerates.
Following reports by The Mirror about Jodie’s departure, a BBC spokesman told Digital Spy: ‘We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show.’
He’s off! Bradley’s final scenes on Doctor Who aired earlier this month as Graham decided to leave the TARDIS
Jodie reportedly told BBC bosses that she won’t be returning to the popular series following the conclusion of the upcoming series 13.
That will mark a three-year run for the actress, which is about average for recent actors playing the time-traveling alien.
Matt Smith, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi also appeared on Doctor Who for three series each, while Christopher Eccleston only appeared on one series after the show was revived in 2005.
According to a source for The Mirror, the show is already at work on figuring out how Whittaker will be replaced by the Fourteenth Doctor.
‘It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration,’ a source said.
‘Her departure is top secret but at some point over the coming months the arrival of the 14th Doctor will need to be filmed. It’s very exciting.’
Rumours: It comes as rumours swirled that star Jodie Whittaker will be leaving Doctor Who after the 13th series, with another actor set to take on the iconic role when she regenerates