Doctor Who: Fans call for John Bishop return

Doctor Who fans are hoping John Bishop returns to the long-running sci-fi show after the comedian was spotted hanging out with Russell T Davies.

Bishop starred in Doctor Who as companion Dan to Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor but departed the show at the end of the 2022 specials that followed the thirteenth series.

Read more: David Tennant: Bernard Cribbins was 'full of beans' making final Doctor Who appearance

On Instagram, current showrunner Davies posted a picture of himself with Bishop and producer Phil Collinson and wrote: "Phil and I met John Bishop! Dan!!! ????♥️ @bbcdoctorwho @philcollinson @johnbish100."

The official Doctor Who account even commented on the picture, writing: "You could say you 'wok'd right into him!"

The post caused fans to call for Bishop to return to Doctor Who in his role as the popular sidekick.

One fan commented: "Genuinely deserves some sort of re-appearance. His exit was dismal for his character unfortunately. John is a legend ????????."

Another said: "Bring him back, please, im begging ????????."

Bishop departed Doctor Who in Whittaker's final episode The Power of the Doctor. Instead of the usual final farewell between the Doctor and companion, Dan was written out early in the episode.

The character had a near death experience and decided they wanted to stay on Earth so bid farewell to the Doctor and Yas, the other companion.

Catherine Tate is set to return as Donna Noble for the 60th anniversary specials while Millie Gibson has been cast as Ruby Tuesday, the Doctor's companion from season fourteen.

Bishop made his debut in Doctor Who in the first episode of the thirteenth season, The Halloween Apocalypse. He replaced the departed Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole who left the show at the climax of the twelfth series.

The Liverpudlian comedian has not commented on the prospect of returning to Doctor Who.

Watch below: Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials trailer.