βDoctor Whoβ fans have been left slightly bemused by reports Bradley Walsh is set to be the new assistant.
The Mirror has claimed βThe Chaseβ presenter will accompany new Time Lord Jodie Whittaker on the new series of the BBC sci-fi show when it returns next year.
According to the paper, Bradley will follow in the footsteps of Jenna Coleman, Catherine Tate, Billie Piper and Pearl Mackie as he steps in to the Tardis for the role.
The unlikely news has been met with confusion from fans on social media, with most seeing it as a complete curveball:
That isnβt to say fans are not on board with the idea though, as many claimed Bradley would make a great companion to Jodieβs Doctor:
A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on the reports when contacted by HuffPost UK, as did a representative for Bradley.
The Mirror also reported Bradley taking on the role would mean decreasing his workload on some of the ITV shows he currently stars on like βPlay To The Whistleβ and βCash Trappedβ, but would continue in his role as host of hit teatime gameshow βThe Chaseβ.
A source said: βBradley is super excited to be joining the cast of βDoctor Whoβ in such a key role.
If claims Bradley is the new assistant turn out to be true, it will also reunite him with new βDoctor Whoβ show runner Chris Chibnall, who he previously worked on βLaw & Order: UKβ, where Chris was lead writer and Bradley played lead character DS Ronnie Brooks.
Former βMy Familyβ and βDeath In Paradiseβ star Kris Marshall has also been linked to the assistant role, having previously been a front-runner to succeed Peter Capaldi as The Doctor.
Jodie will make her first appearance as the Time Lord in the Christmas special, which will see Peterβs incarnation meet his demise.
