UPDATE: April Fools! Torchwood isn't coming back with Bradley Walsh. But is this something you would want to see happen?
The BBC has announced the return of the Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood - with the new series to star Bradley Walsh. Viewers were initially skeptical when Bradley Walsh was announced as a companion for Doctor Who season 11. But he proved surprisingly capable, winning fans over and easily proving himself the best of the Thirteenth Doctor's three companions.
Walsh's Graham has taken to time travel like a fish to water. For the widower, the opportunity to adventure with the Doctor provides an escape from his old life, where he is filled with grief for his late wife Grace. Ryan and Yaz are beginning to wonder if it's time to move on from the TARDIS, but Graham has no such reservations. In spite of that, however, Walsh is expected to leave in this year's Doctor Who holiday special. It was believed this was due to his finding the experience of filming Doctor Who too tiring.
The BBC's latest press release reveals this isn't the case. Rather, the BBC is looking to relaunch the Doctor Who spinoff series Torchwood, this time with Bradley Walsh as the star. The British broadcaster is currently silent as to the rest of the cast, still less whether or not John Barrowman will be reprising the role of Jack Harkness as well:
Over the last 15 years, Doctor Who has become one of the BBC's most successful TV shows, as well as our biggest export to international audiences. Given this success, we're delighted to announce that the Doctor Who universe is about to expand, with the relaunch of the spinoff Torchwood series. While there will be some familiar faces, this time the starring role will go to none other than Bradley Walsh, as Graham moves from Team TARDIS to Team Torchwood.
Torchwood was originally the brainchild of Russell T. Davies, and it starred a group of agents who attempted to protect the United Kingdom - and the world - from alien threats without the Doctor's help. In contrast to Doctor Who, Torchwood was deliberately targeted solely at adult viewers, and it starred John Barrowman's Captain Jack Harkness. Barrowman has finally returned in Doctor Who season 12, albeit only for a cameo, in which he warned the Doctor to beware the threat of the Lone Cyberman. The timing of his return now seems rather opportune, especially given John Barrowman had such an entertaining dynamic with Walsh; Captain Jack greeted Graham with a kiss on the lips, mistaking him for the Doctor. It was easily one of the most amusing scenes in Doctor Who season 12, and was actually improv.
Under Davies, Doctor Who and Torchwood were largely independent of one another, with only occasional crossover points. Current showrunner Chris Chibnall may well have a different idea, though; it will be interesting to see if he takes a tip from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and attempts to weave an ongoing narrative between the two shows. Meanwhile, the reference to Doctor Who's value as an international export may hint the BBC has even resumed its old partnership with the American network Starz in order to co-produce the show. Hopefully, it won't be long before they reveal more details.
Source: BBC