John Bishop joins Doctor Who cast playing Dan. As he becomes embroiled in the Doctor’s adventures, Dan will quickly learn there’s more to the Universe(s) than he could ever believe. Travelling through Space and Time alongside the Doctor and Yaz, he’ll face evil alien races beyond his wildest nightmares.
Speaking about joining the show, John says: “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.”
John has been self isolating since receiving confirmation of a positive Covid-19 test on Christmas Day. He tweeted, “This is the worst illness I have ever had, debilitating headaches, muscle joint and even skin pain, dizziness, nausea, no appetite, incredibly chronic fatigue . My wife and I are fit non smokers and it’s flattened us. I don’t wish this on anyone” Perhaps he could ask Doctor Who to set the TARDIS to go back before the pandemic broke and stop the reason it started from happening.
Chris Chibnall, Showrunner, adds: “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, Executive Producer, BBC Studios, says: “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.”
Piers Wenger, Controller, BBC Drama, says: “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.”
John has already begun filming and will make his first appearance when the 13th series starts on BBC One later in 2021.