John Bishop reacts to news he is joining Doctor Who for thirteenth series: 'It's an honour'

John Bishop - Dan Doctor Who
(Image credit: BBC/James Pardon)

Actor and comedian John Bishop is joining Doctor Who later this year...

John Bishop has spoken out following the announcement that he will be joining the cast of Doctor Who for the next series.

The actor and stand up comedian, who was also previously a footballer, is known for appearing on shows like A League of Their Own with James Corden and presenting Amazon Prime football show Back of the Net with Peter Crouch and Gabby Logan.

Doctor Who Christmas TV Guide 2020

John will be working alongside Jodie Whittaker in the new series of Doctor Who (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/James Pardon)

The Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, and sidekick Yaz (Mandip Gill) will be welcoming a new face to the TARDIS later this year as John's new alter ego, Dan, joins the team.

After finding himself caught up in the Doctor's adventures, Dan will quickly learn that there is more to the universe that he could ever imagine.

More: How to watch the Doctor Who Christmas Special 2020 online anywhere in the world 

Travelling through space and time with the Doctor and Yaz, Dan will find himself face to face with evil alien races that are beyond his wildest dreams.

John Bishop's Ireland

John Bishop has joined the cast of Doctor Who as a new character called Dan (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: ITV)

'A dream come true'

In an official statement, John said: "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."

As the news that he would be joining Doctor Who broke, John took to Twitter, calling his new role 'an honour'.

Sharing a sneaky preview clip of him in his new Doctor Who role, John told his followers: "I have loved the last few months on set and I am looking forward to working with the brilliant team in 2021.

"(It is an) honour to join such a legendary show."

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Keeping the news under wraps 

John started filming with the cast and crew of Doctor Who back in November, with his new role being kept well under wraps until now.

Chris Chibnall, Showrunner said: "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.

Dalek Doctor Who

John's character Dan will take on some terrifying enemies in the thirteenth series (Picture: BBC Studios/Ben Blackall) (Image credit: BBC Studios/Ben Blackall)

"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 added: "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."

Doctor Who returns to BBC1 with series 13 later this year. 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.