Martin Clunes will return for a ninth series of Doc Martin on ITV it has been confirmed.
Filming on the new series will begin this week with Clunes reprising his role as grumpy medic Dr. Martin Ellingham, the GP with a brusque bedside manner and a phobia of blood. The 8-episode series is produced by Buffalo Pictures and set in the idyllic hamlet of Portwenn in Cornwall.
Returning for the ninth series is Caroline Catz plays Doc Martin’s wife, Louisa Ellingham, who has resigned from her job as headmistress at the local school to pursue a new career in child counselling, Dame Eileen Atkins as Doc Martin’s formidable Aunt Ruth, Ian McNeice as Bert Large, Joe Absolom as Bert’s son Al, John Marquez as PC Joe Penhale, Jessica Ransom as the doctor’s receptionist Morwenna Newcross and Selina Cadell as pharmacist Mrs Tishell.
Clunes says, “We love going to Cornwall to make Doc Martin, and we miss it when we are not there. The county is so beautiful, and the people have been so warm and welcoming to us. It is the best job in television.”
In this new series the Doc’s career is hanging in the balance. His future as a GP is under scrutiny from the General Medical Council following complaints about his irascible approach to patients.
The popularity of Doc Martin, which has been filmed in Port Isaac, Cornwall since 2004, has resulted in the show being recognised by Cornwall Tourism for outstanding contribution to tourism.
Producer Philippa Braithwaite says the Doc Martin team was delighted to receive such a prestigious award. “The people of Cornwall, and Port Isaac in particular, have always been so helpful to us when we are making Doc Martin. We are thrilled that we have been able to give something back, and to be recognised in this way is the icing on the cake.
“We also contribute to a fund for the village and have raised £134,000 so far. The people of Port Isaac decide how the funds should be used.”
The funding has helped to support the Port Isaac Village School and it’s nursery, with transport for swimming and after school clubs. It has supported the Village Hall, provided disabled access to the hall, and helped to arrange transport for outings, speakers and meals for local pensioners.
Funds have also been used for the Christmas lights in Port Isaac, and to set up an arts group.
The directors of this ninth series of Doc Martin are Nigel Cole and Charlie Palmer.
