John Bishop joins Mandip Gill to film Doctor Who in Liverpool after joining cast for series 13

He’ll make his on-screen debut in series 13 later this year.

And John Bishop got stuck into Doctor Who filming with his co-star Mandip Gill to shoot scenes at St George’s Hall in Liverpool on Thursday.

The comedian, 54, who has joined the cast as The Doctor’s new companion Dan, appeared to go back in time as he donned a period costume.

John wore a pair of high-waisted brown trousers with a dark waistcoat, white T-shirt, navy blue blazer and tweed flat cap.

The comedian appeared to be getting on well with his new co-stars and crew as he shared a laugh while receiving direction on set.

Elsewhere, Mandip, 33, who plays Yasmin Khan, wore a tweed fitted dress and matching coat combo which she accessorised with a patterned tie, crossover bag, gloves and leather boots.

The actress styled her brunette back and tucked under a straw hat, she added a slick of make-up.

It is believed that the crew are filming their final scenes in Liverpool before moving to Cardiff, Wales, to resume production.

John has joined the cast as one of The Doctor’s new companions, following the departure of Ryan (played by Tosin Cole) and Graham (Bradley Walsh) during the New Year’s special Revolution of the Daleks.

It comes after rumours emerged that Jodie Whittaker will leave Doctor Who after series 13.

Earlier this month, the BBC refused to comment on speculation, after it was reported that the screen star handed in her notice for the show. 

Jodie reportedly told BBC bosses that she won’t be returning to the popular series following the conclusion of the upcoming series 13.

That will mark a three-year run for the actress, which is about average for recent actors playing the time-traveling alien.

Matt Smith, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi also appeared on Doctor Who for three series each, while Christopher Eccleston only appeared on one series after the show was revived in 2005. 

According to a source for The Mirror, the show is already at work on figuring out how Whittaker will be replaced by the Fourteenth Doctor.

‘It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration,’ a source said.

‘Her departure is top secret but at some point over the coming months the arrival of the 14th Doctor will need to be filmed. It’s very exciting.’

As with previous Doctors, at the end of Whittaker’s tenure her character will ‘regenerate’ into a new form, at which point the next actor will take over the role.

Jodie made history in July 2017 when she was announced as the first-ever female doctor after Peter Capaldi ended his run.   

Earlier this month, Mandip revealed that bosses are ‘open’ to casting a ‘woman of colour’ as the next Time Lord.

The actress, who plays Yasmin Khan in the sci-fi series, said that ‘there’s definitely room for change,’ when it comes to diversifying the show’s cast, following reports that Jodie has quit the role after four years in the TARDIS.

It comes after Who was universally praised by fans for introducing its first ever black Doctor, played by Jo Martin in a shocking twist that saw the time traveller learn of numerous incarnations from her past.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Mandip said she could see another black actor taking on the famous role, as bosses are yet to confirm rumours that Jodie will leave the show later this year. 

She said: ‘I think there’s a long way to go but there’s definitely room for change. And actually, I think at the BBC and at Doctor Who they are very open and forward-thinking, so yes.’ 

Mandip joined the cast as Yaz alongside Jodie’s Doctor in 2018, and will appear alongside John when he joins the series as the new companion Dan later this year.