Doctor Who series 11: Everything you need to know about new companion Tosin Cole
As announced late last night, Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor is to be joined by three new regulars in Doctor Who series 11, including former Hollyoaks star Tosin Cole.
Tosin will play Ryan during the 10-week run in Autumn 2018, kicking off with a 60-minute episode for the opening launch – introducing the new Team TARDIS of Whittaker, Cole, Bradley Walsh and Mandip Gill.
Chris Chibnall, the new Doctor Who showrunner, says: "The new Doctor is going to need new friends," whilst he describes Tosin as one of Britain's "brightest talents".
The actor himself commented: "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."
But what do you need to know about this up-and-coming actor?
1. He's a (slightly) older companion
Tosin was born on July 23, 1992 – that makes him 25. Though he'll be 26 when series 11 airs. Practically middle-aged compared to some Doctor Who companions!
2. He got his break in a web series
Tosin's first television role came in the 2010 BBC Two teen drama The Cut. It debuted online as 5-min episodes, and can be seen in the US on Hulu.
3. He played a major role in an EastEnders spin-off
Cole's second television role was a regular part in the EastEnders spin-off E20 in 2010 and 2011. This was another show which debuted online and also on the BBC Red Button.
4. You might recognise him from Hollyoaks
Cole featured in over 80 episodes of Hollyoaks as Neil Cooper (and also Hollyoaks Later). Neil came to a grisly end in 2012 when he was left to die in a mini-bus explosion.
5. He's been in Star Wars too
Cole popped up in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as X-Wing resistance pilot Lieutenant Bastian – also known as 'Red Four'.
6. He's experienced in time-travel
In 2015, Tosin starred in an episode of BBC Two's historical romp Versailles, playing Kobina in series 1, episode 3, 'Mirror for Princes'.
7. He's got previous with some Doctor Who veterans
Tosin starred in a short film, Shelter, with Jessica Hynes, and directed by Reggie Yates. Whovians will know that Hynes has played two different characters in the show (Joan Redfern in 'Human Nature/The Family of Blood' and Verity Newman in 'The End of Time'), while Yates played Leo, the little-seen brother of Martha Jones.
8. He's a Man Utd fan
Followers of his Twitter and Instagram accounts will know Cole is a Manchester United fan. He also loves (and plays) basketball.
9. You can check out his past work on Netflix
Earlier this year, Tosin starred in the Netflix film Burning Sands, which received its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
Doctor Who series 11: Everything you need to know about new companion Mandip Gill
Doctor Who fans across the world have been celebrating the news that the 13th Doctor, as played by Jodie Whittaker, will be joined by three new companions, including ex-Hollyoaks star Mandip Gill.
She will play Yasmin during series 11's ten-week run in Autumn 2018, kicking off with a 60-minute episode for the opening launch introducing the new Team TARDIS of Whittaker, Gill, Bradley Walsh, and Tosin Cole.
Mandip said: "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."
But what do you need to know about this up and coming actress?
1. Team TARDIS' combined age is almost 150
Like her co-star and Who newcomer Tosin Cole, Gill is on the older side for a companion. Born on January 5, 1988, the actress is 29 (and will be 30 when Doctor Who series 11 airs next year).
2. Her big break was Hollyoaks
Gill's debut television role was Phoebe McQueen in Channel 4's Hollyoaks. Her first appearance was in 2012 but, and again like her new Who co-star Cole, her character was killed off – first she was shot, then went into a coma, only to return from it to be poisoned by potassium chloride in her medical drip.
3. She thought her Doctor Who role was "unattainable"
Gill told the BBC that certain roles, like Doctor Who companion, seem "unattainable," adding, "so much so I didn't believe it to be true for the first few weeks."
4. You can catch her soon on BBC One
Mandip will be seen very soon as junior registrar Talia in BBC One's Love, Lies and Records from the brilliant Kay Mellor (The Syndicate, In The Club).
5. Her fellow new companion is an "old friend"
Tosin Cole, who plays new companion Ryan, is described by Mandip as an "old friend". The two both starred in Hollyoaks, with their time on the show overlapping for just under a year.
6. She's a familiar face on primetime TV
Fans of The Good Karma Hospital and Casualty will recognise Gill, as will viewers of daytime show Doctors, where she made regular appearances as Shazia Amin in 2016.
7. Mandip LOVES telly...
And she loves tweeting about it too! Gill's current favourite shows include ABC and Netflix's How To Get Away With Murder, ITV's Liar, and BBC Three comedies People Just Do Nothing and Fleabag.
An eclectic mix!
8. ... and the odd binge-watch!
9. She's a fan of X Factor's Grace Davies
10. She'll soon appear in a movie with Game of Thrones stars
2018 will see the release of The Flood in cinemas starring Gill alongside Game of Thrones regulars Lena Headey and Iain Glen, and The Missing's Arsher Ali.
11. HAIR!
Mandip shows off some sensational hair pics on Twitter and Instagram.
Hair style pics