British Comedy Guide
Doc Martin. Image shows from L to R: Louisa Glasson (Caroline Catz), Dr Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes). Copyright: ITV
Doc Martin

Doc Martin (2004)

  • TV comedy drama
  • ITV1
  • 2004 - 2022
  • 79 episodes (10 series)

Comedy drama following the trials and tribulations of a socially challenged surgeon turned GP working in Cornwall. Stars Martin Clunes. Also features Caroline Catz, Ian McNeice, Joe Absolom, Selina Cadell, John Marquez and more.

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Episode menu

Series 1, Episode 2 - Gentleman Prefer

Dr Ellingham raises the ire of seemingly the entire village when he sacks Elaine, who is taking out her own frustrations on her father and his fiancée. Meanwhile, Martin diagnoses former teacher Roger Fenn with a possible larynx cancer.

Further details

Dr Martin Ellingham's practice is officially open for business. Despite his disastrous introduction to life in the village of Portwenn, the former surgeon has decided to stay and give it a go. The waiting room is full of patients having tea and biscuits served by Elaine, who is busy with a personal call on the phone.

It seems that the previous GP allowed his patients to treat the surgery as a drop-in cafe, but not necessarily to seek medical treatment. Martin announces to the packed waiting room that unless they have a genuine ailment they should all leave.

Stunned, everyone shuffles out. On his way out, sour-faced former teacher Roger Fenn offers Ellingham his own words of advice, and, alarmed by the hoarse sound of Roger's voice, Martin conducts an examination. Martin tells Fenn he must be referred to a specialist for a biopsy on a neck lump, but Fenn accuses the doctor of time-wasting and storms out.

Meanwhile, Elaine has failed to gain identifying details for a hysterical mother on the phone with a sick child. As Ellingham attempts to track down the youngster, whose symptoms suggest possibly fatal appendicitis, he gives Elaine the sack for her latest bout of incompetence - but with her connections throughout the village, she'll make sure he regrets it.

Elaine's problems don't stop at her new-found unemployment though. Her widower father is due to be married in less than a fortnight and she doesn't care for his fiancée in the slightest.

Louisa is outraged with Martin's apparent failure to visit Roger in hospital. Little does she know that he and the Doc have struck up a friendship on their shared curmudgeonliness.

Broadcast details

Date
Thursday 9th September 2004
Time
9pm
Channel
ITV1
Length
60 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Martin Clunes Dr Martin Ellingham
Caroline Catz Louisa Glasson
Ian McNeice Bert Large
Joe Absolom Al Large
Stephanie Cole Joan Norton
Stewart Wright PC Mark Mylow
Lucy Punch Elaine Denham
Jeff Rawle Roger Fenn
Guest cast
Nick Brimble Bruce Denham
Elizabeth Woodcock Carmen
Doreen Mantle Marianne Walker
Jimmy Gardner Eddie
Joanna Scanlan Toni Black
Vicki Pepperdine Mrs Richards
Rupert Young Adrian Pitts
Richard Pears Junior Doctor
Kyla Goody Nurse
Alexander King Bobby Richards
Melody Hunter Evans Lorna
Sophie Gomis Jade
Katherine Tozer Pamela
Richard Green Driver
Dave Lamb Courier
Sharon Sheehan Hospital Receptionist
Writing team
Dominic Minghella Writer
Production team
Ben Bolt Director
Philippa Braithwaite Producer
Mark Crowdy Executive Producer
Nick McPhee Editor
Anthony Ainsworth Production Designer
Colin Towns Composer

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