Mandip Gill, who played Yasmin Khan, companion to the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker), has seemingly — albeit accidentally — confirmed that Varada Sethu has been cast as the new companion in Doctor Who Series 15.

Though Sethu’s casting as an as-yet-unnamed companion to the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) remains pure rumour right now, Gill was asked at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 about Varada. Mandip said:

“I actually have messaged Varada, just a general ‘enjoy it’ because it goes so fast and it was what I wanted to hear… There’s no actual advice, but I’m sure she’s going to be absolutely amazing. But yeah, really enjoy it because time does fly when you’re having fun.”

Sethu has been seen filming with Gatwa on location, dressed in 1950s garb, so the smart money is on her being the next companion after Ruby Sunday, Millie Gibson apparently leaving the show after Series 14 (due to air later this year) and the first few episodes of Series 15, at least reportedly.

The BBC hasn’t responded to any such speculation. Mandip might’ve just messages Sethu based on those rumours, which originated in the tabloid newspaper, The Mirror, or perhaps she’s heard more than we have from behind-the-scenes sources. Either way, it seems likely that she’s bang on the money. Indeed, the Radio Times is reporting on it as fact!

Gill, of course, played Yaz throughout the Thirteenth Doctor era, debuting in The Woman Who Fell to Earth and leaving at the conclusion of The Power of the Doctor.

If the rumours are correct, Varada will debut in 2025 opposite the Fifteenth Doctor, with Ruby seemingly bowing out after three episodes of Series 15.