Following tonight’s Doctor Who festive special which saw Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole leave the TARDIS, comedian John Bishop was officially announced to be joining the show.

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Bishop will appear in the new series alongside Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill, later this year.

Bishop has already begun filming his role, but TV bosses have kept his signing under wraps until now.

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He plays a character called Dan, who becomes embroiled in the Doctor’s adventures.

“Travelling through space and time alongside the Doctor and Yaz, he’ll face evil alien races beyond his wildest nightmares,” the BBC said.

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Bishop said in a statement:

“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.”

Showrunner Chris Chibnall said:

 “It’s time for the next chapter of Doctor Who, and it starts with a man called Dan. Oh, we’ve had to keep this one secret for a long, long time. Our conversations started with John even before the pandemic hit. The character of Dan was built for him, and it’s a joy to have him aboard the Tardis.”

Matt Strevens, BBC Studios executive producer, said:

“It’s been a total joy having John join the cast and we’ve been having a lot fun on set already. We can’t wait for you to meet Dan when the show returns later this year.”

BBC drama controller Piers Wenger said:

“We are beyond thrilled to have John Bishop joining Doctor Who. Alongside Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill, John is a wonderful addition to the show and we have no doubt that series 13 is going to be another thrilling set of adventures for the Doctor.”