Doctor Who series 11: Everything you need to know about new companion Tosin Cole
As announced late last night, Jodie Whittaker’s 13th Doctor is to be joined by three new regulars in Doctor Who series 11, including former Hollyoaks star Tosin Cole.
Tosin will play Ryan during the 10-week run in Autumn 2018, kicking off with a 60-minute episode for the opening launch – introducing the new Team TARDIS of Whittaker, Cole, Bradley Walsh and Mandip Gill.
Chris Chibnall, the new Doctor Who showrunner, says: “The new Doctor is going to need new friends,” whilst he describes Tosin as one of Britain’s “brightest talents”.
The actor himself commented: “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.”
But what do you need to know about this up-and-coming actor?
- He’s a (slightly) older companion
Tosin was born on July 23, 1992 – that makes him 25. Though he’ll be 26 when series 11 airs. Practically middle-aged compared to some Doctor Who companions!
- He got his break in a web series
Tosin’s first television role came in the 2010 BBC Two teen drama The Cut. It debuted online as 5-min episodes, and can be seen in the US on Hulu.
- He played a major role in an EastEnders spin-off
Cole’s second television role was a regular part in the EastEnders spin-off E20 in 2010 and 2011. This was another show which debuted online and also on the BBC Red Button.
- You might recognise him from Hollyoaks
Cole featured in over 80 episodes of Hollyoaks as Neil Cooper (and also Hollyoaks Later). Neil came to a grisly end in 2012 when he was left to die in a mini-bus explosion.
- He’s been in Star Wars too
Cole popped up in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as X-Wing resistance pilot Lieutenant Bastian – also known as ‘Red Four’.
- He’s experienced in time-travel
In 2015, Tosin starred in an episode of BBC Two’s historical romp Versailles, playing Kobina in series 1, episode 3, ‘Mirror for Princes’.
- He’s got previous with some Doctor Who veterans
Tosin starred in a short film, Shelter, with Jessica Hynes, and directed by Reggie Yates. Whovians will know that Hynes has played two different characters in the show (Joan Redfern in ‘Human Nature/The Family of Blood’ and Verity Newman in ‘The End of Time’), while Yates played Leo, the little-seen brother of Martha Jones.
Shelter is currently available to watch on the BBC iPlayer.
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- He’s a Man Utd fan
Followers of his Twitter and Instagram accounts will know Cole is a Manchester United fan. He also loves (and plays) basketball.
- You can check out his past work on Netflix
Earlier this year, Tosin starred in the Netflix film Burning Sands, which received its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
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