Bradley Walsh rumoured to play Doctor Who sidekick

Bradley Walsh has been rumoured to play Doctor Who's new sidekick in the first female-led version of the show.

According to reports in the Mirror, the 57-year-old actor and comedian will star alongside Jodie Whittaker, who was recently unveiled as the first female Time Lord.

Although reports have not been confirmed by the BBC, Walsh or Whittaker, fans have already expressed their excitement online.

Actor Matt Lucas, who was a sidekick to Peter Capaldi's Doctor, wrote on Twitter: "No idea if the story about Bradley Walsh being in Doctor Who is true, but if it is then I love it. #TeamBradley."

"Bradley Walsh as a companion in Doctor Who is so ridiculously out of the box it might just work," wrote another user.

Walsh, who presents The Chase quiz show on ITV, previously starred in Coronation Street and recently enjoyed success with a singing career.

"Bradley is super excited to be joining the cast of Doctor Who in such a key role," a source was quoted by the Mirror as saying.

"It means that his schedule over the coming months will be jam-packed," the source added.

"But, crucially, it won't affect his role as presenter of The Chase. He loves that show with a passion and so does the audience, so he's delighted to have found a way to make it all work."

The report has yet to be confirmed by any of the parties involved.