The iconic show that Bradley Walsh is set join

The Chase host Bradley Walsh is reportedly set to become the Time Lady's first companion when the show returns for its run in 2019.

BBC execs have bucked the trend this year by announcing the first ever female Doctor Who in Jodie Whittaker - set to make her debut in the forthcoming Christmas special.

Having cast the first ever Time Lady, new show boss Chris Chibnall has apparently decided to go one further by ensuring the much loved funnyman becomes the first 'solo' male companion since the show was rebooted, according to the Mirror.

A source told the Mirror: 'Bradley is super excited to be joining the cast of Doctor Who in such a key role.

'It means that his schedule over the coming months will be jam-packed – so he won't be able to continue with the full range of programmes he currently makes for ITV.

'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'.

MailOnline has contacted Bradley's representatives, who declined to comment. A Doctor Who spokesperson has also been contacted.

When Jodie was announced as the first ever female Time Lord it was met with widespread joy, shock, scandal and praise.

And the thirteenth Doctor Who has revealed the public reaction was not the only one of shock and astonishment - as her own father was left aghast at the big reveal. 

Jodie's unveiling as the thirteenth Time Lord was viewed a whopping 16 million times online last month.

She has already shot her 'regeneration scene' which sees The Doctor leave the body of Peter Capaldi and become Jodie.

Speaking of the new role, Jodie gushed on Lorraine: 'It’s really exciting. It’s got a huge audience and a huge fan base and a loyal, wonderful fan base. Maybe this will open it up to maybe some new young faces that haven’t necessarily been introduced to it yet.

'Because you forget that, if I’m the thirteenth, there’s so much to watch and catch up on.

'It doesn’t matter what age you come into it, you’ve got this wealth of amazing television to watch and to be a part of that is, I’ve said so many times, is really emotional and overwhelming – completely overwhelming.

The actress replaces The Thick Of It star Peter Capaldi, who will hang up his shows as the part during this year's Christmas Special.

In fact getting cast in the role was so overwhelming that Jodie broke down in tears upon learning that she won the role.

Doing a pretend crying motion, she revealed: 'When I was told there was no like, "Yeah thanks, thanks", it was like "Ahhh are you kidding? OK, thanks!" Really, really smooth. You can’t get a job like this and not be knocked sideways!'

Source: Daily Mail.