Martin Clunes has returned to Cornwall to film the latest series of ITV’s Doc Martin.
The actor reprises his role as Dr. Martin Ellingham, the GP with a brusque bedside manner and a phobia of blood, in eight new episodes of the hugely successful drama produced by Buffalo Pictures.
Clunes said: “I’m thrilled to be back on the beautiful North Cornish coast to shoot series eight of Doc Martin. The Doc is as obstinate as ever, but he is trying his best to be a better husband and father.”
Also returning for the new series are Dame Eileen Atkins as Doc Martin’s formidable Aunt Ruth, Ian McNeice as Bert Large, amd Joe Absolom son Al.
Bert is desperate to make his home distilled whisky a success, but there’s a shortage of customers willing to buy. Meanwhile guests are not exactly flocking to Al’s bed and breakfast, and he fears he will have to close the doors for good.
Meanwhile, wedding bells are ringing for unlucky in love PC Joe Penhale, played by John Marquez, who popped the question to the Doc’s nanny Janice Bone, played by Robyn Addison, in the last series and is looking forward to marital bliss.
Will the course of true love run smoothly at last for Portwenn’s police officer?
There’s romance too for the doctor’s receptionist, Morwenna Newcross, played by Jessica Ransom. Morwenna and Al have become an item.
But there’s devastating news for Morwenna when her parents Jack and Tara Newcross return to Portwenn unexpectedly.
Selina Cadell returns as pharmacist Mrs Tishell, whose husband Clive, played by Malcolm Storry, is keen for her to join him on his keep fit regime.
Art Malik guest stars in the new series as John Rahmanzai, a visitor to Port Wenn, who surprises Ruth with information about someone from her past.