Bradley Walsh has confirmed that the new series of Doctor Who will begin filming ‘next week’. The new companion was appearing on Sunday Brunch on Sunday morning when he spoke about his new role, which will air on screen in 2018. ‘That starts next week, sometime,’ he revealed before admitting that he is very excited. ‘I watched it as a young boy… when it was in black and white and very provocative. And I remember being bought a dalek, driving my mum and dad mad… and now 50 years later I may get to play with real Daleks!

Jodie Whittaker has been cast as the 13th Doctor, and she will be joined, for the first time, by three companions, Walsh, Mandip Gill, and Tosin Cole. Walsh will board the TARDIS in the role of Graham, while former Hollyoaks stars Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole will play Yasm and Ryan respectively. Singer and Holby City actor Sharon D Clarke has also landed a part in what the BBC has called a ‘returning role’; think Captain Jack or River Song.

Jodie, who is taking over the role from Peter Capaldi, said: ‘I am so excited to share this huge adventure with Mandip, Tosin and Bradley. It’s a dream team!’ Bradley 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!’