Bradley Walsh is set to portray a new 'Doctor Who' companion.

Bradley Walsh

Bradley Walsh

The former 'Coronation Street' star has reportedly signed up to be new Time Lady Jodie Whittaker's assistant in the sci-fi series, but his role is expected to see him drop presenting quiz shows 'Play to the Whistle' and 'Cash Trapped'.

A source said: "Bradley is super excited to be joining the cast of 'Doctor Who' in such a key role.

"It means that his schedule over the coming months will be jam-packed - so he won't be able to continue with the full range of programmes he currently makes for ITV."

However, Bradley will still be able to host popular quiz show 'The Chase' and he is said to be "delighted" to have landed the part.

The source added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Crucially, it won't affect his role as presenter of The Chase. He loves that show with a passion and so does the audience, so he's delighted to have found a way to make it all work."

It will not be the first time new 'Doctor Who' showrunner Chris Chibnall has teamed up with Bradley.

The 'Broadchurch' creator was the lead writer on 'Law & Order UK', in which the actor portrayed DS Ronnie Brooks.

What's more, Bradley will not be the first male companion on 'Doctor Who'.

Frazer Hines played Jamie McCrimmon between 1963 and 1989 when the original series of the sci-fi show aired, and Ian Marter portrayed Harry Sullivan, while Matthew Waterhouse starred as Adric.

This comes after Jodie - who also worked with Chris on 'Broadchurch' - was appointed as the first ever female lead in 'Doctor Who' as a replacement for current Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi.

Kris Marshall was recently rumoured to be in line to play Jodie's assistant after quitting his role as Humphrey Goodman in crime drama 'Death in Paradise'.

Pearl Mackie, 30, plays the Doctor's current assistant Bill Potts, but she is due to leave after just one series, and Matt Lucas currently plays Nardole, a companion of the Twelfth Doctor.

Bradley will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Billie Piper, 34, Jenna Coleman, 31, and Karen Gillan, 29, who have all played the character's companion in recent years.

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