Martin Clunes has issued a cryptic comment on the decision to end the hit ITV drama Doc Martin, as filming begins in Cornwall on the final season.
Martin, 60, has won hearts and minds as the grumpy medic in the idyllic hamlet of Portwenn with a baffling fear of blood.
Filming began this week on the eight new episodes of the popular drama, with a Christmas special to bid a final farewell to Doc Martin.
Martin confirmed in 2020 that he will hang up his stethoscope and bow out with the tenth series of the ITV show and he has now commented on the decision.
He said he has always looked forward to returning to Cornwall to film the series and singled out the people of Port Isaac for their help in making the ITV hit.
He said: “We have some great story lines for the new series, and for the Christmas special, which I hope Doc Martin fans will love.”
He then cryptically added: “I shall miss Cornwall, and all the lovely people we have worked with. But it is the right time to say farewell to the Doc, and Portwenn.”
ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill also commented on the end of the show, promising fans Doc Martin will go out with a bang before thanking the cast and crew for their efforts in creating the “special” series.
She said: “If this really has to be the final series of Doc Martin, we thought we'd also commission a Christmas special!
“It'll be sad to see the series come to an end after entertaining audiences on ITV for the last 18 years, but we'll make sure the finale is memorable and befitting such a success story.”
ITV fans have been gripped by the life of the curmudgeonly GP and his on-off love affair, and eventual marriage to, Louisa Ellingham, played by Caroline Catz.
The end of the last series saw the Doc decide to resign from being Portwenn’s GP after his medical career was scrutinised by the General Medical Council because of his blood phobia.
In the final series fans will see the Doc try to overcome his phobia, and begin to question whether he made the right decision about resigning.
He and Louisa have also welcomed a baby daughter, Mary Elizabeth, a sister for four-year-old James Henry.
With Louisa pursuing her new career as a child counsellor in his old surgery, the Doc is left caring for their newborn, and indulging his hobby of repairing clocks on the kitchen table.
Also returning for the finale are Dame Eileen Atkins who plays Doc Martin’s formidable Aunt Ruth. Ian McNeice is back to play Bert Large, with Joe Absolom as his son Al. John Marquez is PC Joe Penhale, Jessica Ransom is the doctor’s receptionist Morwenna Newcross and Selina Cadell is pharmacist Mrs Tishell.
The final series will also be accompanied by an ITV documentary provisionally titled Doc Martin – A Celebration, which will highlight the longevity and impact of Doc Martin over the years, as well as giving the audience a glimpse behind the scenes of the final series with the cast and crew.
