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Bradley Walsh responds to Doctor Who replacement after departure from show

The Chase presenter left the BBC programme earlier this year

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Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
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Bradley Walsh has responded to news of his replacement on BBC's Doctor Who, following his exit from the series earlier this year.

The actor, who said his goodbyes in the New Year's Day 2021 episode, stepped down from the popular show at the end of series 12 and is set to be replaced by comedian and actor John Bishop.

MORE: Bradley Walsh explains Doctor Who departure: 'it's relentless'

Appearing on Monday's episode of The One Show, the Breaking Dad star had nothing but praise for his successor, telling hosts Alex Jones and Amol Rajan: "I have spoken to Bish a few times, Bishy is a pal of mine, and he is going to do fantastic.

WATCH: Doctor Who waves goodbye to Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole

"Well, not just that, Bish is a fine actor. He has worked with Ken Loach and everyone so Bish knows exactly what he is doing. He is a fine actor and a funny dude."

The Chase presenter added: "I just hope he can get some funny lines in because when you are our age on the show you get the chance to do some quirky quips, so hopefully he'll get away with a few of those." Not much is yet known about John's character, named Dan, however, filming has reportedly already begun for series 13.

MORE: Viewers disappointed as Breaking Dad dropped from schedule in last-minute change

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MORE: Everything you need to know about Bradley Walsh's family

doctor who group© Photo: BBC

Bradley left Doctor Who earlier this month

Bradley, who played Graham O'Brien in Doctor Who, previously opened up about his reasons for leaving the BBC programme, explaining that the lengthy filming schedules eventually took their toll. "We have great fun doing it. But you must sleep and look after yourself, because if you don't, you will come unstuck," he said.

"This is ten months of ramming speed. That's what it is. I'm in my 60th year. It's tough. It's hard. It's relentless. It really is. This ain't an easy gig."

Meanwhile, comedian and TV star John is clearly thrilled to be joining the sci-fi drama. The stand-up told the BBC: "If I could tell my younger self that one day I would be asked to step onboard 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."

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