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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Series 5, Episode 1 - Preserve The Romance

Curmudgeonly GP Martin Ellingham's plans to resume his career as a consultant in London are put on hold with the birth of the baby he fathered with his now estranged partner, Louisa Glasson.

Further details

Doc Martin. Dr Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes). Copyright: Buffalo Pictures / Homerun Productions

Dr Martin Ellingham is struggling to come to terms with fatherhood. The baby boy born to him and his estranged partner, Louisa Glasson, is about to change their lives dramatically.

The curmudgeonly GP with no bedside manner planned to resume his highflying career as a consultant in London. He had packed his bags and moved out of the surgery to make way for the new GP, Dr Di Dibbs.

But the arrival of 'baby' - neither the doctor nor Louisa can agree on a name for their son - means Dr Ellingham has to adjust his plans. He moves into Louisa's house to help with the baby, but it is an awkward situation for both of them.

Dr Dibbs is newly qualified and excited at the prospect of moving into her first surgery, with husband Gavin as the practice manager. However Dr Ellingham begins to have serious doubts about the competency of the new GP after she misdiagnoses a patient, and dishes out prescriptions for totally inappropriate drugs. She even misdiagnoses her own illness, which almost proves fatal.

Her confidence is waning fast as Dr Ellingham, in his familiar brash manner, makes clear he doesn't think she is up to the job.

Dr Dibbs realises she has to go, and Dr Ellingham agrees to resume duties at the surgery until a replacement GP can be found.

With all the upheaval the doc is unprepared for a devastating personal blow. He hears that his Aunt Joan has died after having a heart attack at the wheel of her car.

Broadcast details

Date
Monday 12th September 2011
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
Selina Cadell Mrs Tishell
John Marquez PC Penhale
Guest cast
Joanna Scanlan Dr Di Dibbs
Robert Daws Gavin Dibbs
Anthony O'Donnell Mike Chubb
Rory Wilton Mr Hubble
Sarah Buckland Shopkeeper
Kyla Goodey Doctor
Christabel Muir Mrs Bollard
Steve Bennett Mr Gill
Jill Greenacre Mrs Mabyn
Maggie Tagney Mrs Pike
Writing team
Ben Bolt Writer
Robert Leedham Script Editor
Production team
Ben Bolt Director
Philippa Braithwaite Producer
Mark Crowdy Executive Producer
Sandy Poustie Associate Producer
Nick McPhee Editor
Anthony Ainsworth Production Designer
Jane Broomfield Production Designer
Toby Whale Casting Director
Simon Archer Director of Photography
Colin Towns Composer
Les Lansdown Costume Designer
Jean Speak Make-up Designer
Joe Geary 1st Assistant Director

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