Dr. Ellingham’s surgery reopens

Martin Clunes has begun filming the seventh series of ITV drama Doc Martin in Cornwall, playing the nation’s favourite grumpy medic.

Eight new episodes will be filmed in Cornwall’s idyllic Port Wenn, with Martin reprising his role as Dr. Martin Ellingham, the GP with a brusque bedside manner and a phobia of blood.

Caroline Catz returns as Doc Martin’s wife Louisa. The couple married in the last series, but their marital harmony was short lived. After a life-threatening incident, Louisa decided to take their son James Henry to live with her mother in Spain while they try to work out their problems.

The Doc is heartbroken by their departure, and realises he has got to make changes if he wants to win them back, and be a family again.

Martin Clunes says: “I’m thrilled to be back on the beautiful North Cornish coast to shoot series seven of Doc Martin. The Doc has some serious work to do if he is going to persuade Louisa to come back.”

Also returning to the series is, Dame Eileen Atkins as Doc Martin’s formidable Aunt Ruth, who in the new series faces a medical emergency, which she tries to ignore, but the Doc won’t let her.

Ian McNeice returns as local restaurateur Bert Large, with Joe Absolom as his tolerant son Al, who is setting up in business with Ruth. He’s renovated her farmhouse, and is opening a bed and breakfast to attract tourists, the first guests are, however, far from impressed.

John Marquez returns to play eccentric local police officer PC Joe Penhale, who is getting to grips with a newly issued Taser gun, with disastrous consequences, and Jessica Ransom is back as Doc Martin‘s receptionist, Morwenna Newcross.

Doc Martin is produced by Buffalo Pictures. The directors are Nigel Cole, Charles Palmer and Ben Gregor. The writers are Jack Lothian, Richard Stoneman and Julian Unthank.

ITV’s Director of Drama, Steve November said: “We’re delighted Doc Martin is returning to ITV.  Martin has created a unique and very watchable character who for all his faults is hugely appreciated by the audience.  We look forward to working on the series with the Buffalo Pictures production team.”