The TARDIS might be a bit more crowded that usual next year.
The official Doctor Who website has announced the cast for the show's upcoming Series Eleven, the first for Jodie Whittaker's incoming Thirteenth Doctor. According to the announcement, Series Eleven will feature Bradley Walsh as Graham, Tosin Cole as Ryan, and Mandip Gill as Yasmin. Sharon D. Clarke will also appear, but in a recurring role.
Presuming all three new regulars will be the Doctor's new companions, this will be the first time the TARDIS crew will have three companions at once since the Peter Davison era in 1983. At that time, Janet Fielding's Tegan Jovanka, Sarah Sutton's Nyssa, and Mark Strickson's Vislor Turlough all traveled together with the Fifth Doctor during Season 20 of Doctor Who's original run.
In addition, it was confirmed that Series Eleven of Doctor Who will have a ten week run of fifty minute episodes beginning sometime in Autumn 2018, starting with a longer one-hour episode.
Incoming Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall remarked, "The new Doctor is going to need new friends. We’re thrilled to welcome Mandip, Tosin and Bradley to the Doctor Who family. They’re three of Britain’s brightest talents and we can’t wait to see them dive into brand new adventures with Jodie’s Doctor. Alongside them, we’re delighted that Sharon D Clarke is also joining the show."
Jodie Whittaker commented, "I am so excited to share this huge adventure with Mandip, Tosin and Bradley. It's a dream team!"
Bradley Walsh said, "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 color. Am I thrilled to be part of this whole ground breaking new dawn for the Doctor? Oh yes!"
Mandip Gill remarked, "I am over the moon to be joining the Doctor Who family. This is an iconic show with an amazing fanbase and I look forward to everything that brings. Certain roles seem unattainable and this is one of those, so much so I didn't believe it to be true for the first few weeks. To be working alongside the likes of Jodie, Bradley and my old friend Tosin is thrilling. This show is worlds away from the work I've done previously and that's the part that excites me the most."
Tosin Cole said, "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."
Jodie Whittaker will make her debut as the Thirteenth Doctor at the end of this year's Christmas special, "Twice Upon a Time."