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 6 - Don't Let Go

PC Joe Penhale is desperate to keep Maggie and show her he's changed; that he's the macho husband she wants. But once she has the all clear from the doctor, Maggie plans to return to Bude.

Further details

Doc Martin. Image shows from L to R: PC Penhale (John Marquez), Maggie Reid (Julie Graham). Copyright: Buffalo Pictures / Homerun Productions

PC Joe Penhale is desperate to keep Maggie and show her he's changed; that he's the macho husband she wants. But once she has the all clear from the doctor, Maggie plans to return to Bude.

Penhale resorts to desperate measures to convince her to stay, including surreptitiously paying people to be nasty to her so he can step in and assert his authority, and show her he can be tough. His subterfuge almost works. But a final effort at bravado in trying to climb a ladder to rescue school caretaker Mr Coley from the roof fails miserably. When he is frozen with fear half way up the ladder, Maggie is very disappointed, and Penhale knows he has blown it with her.

Mr Coley has become increasingly muddled, and has put the children at risk by spraying poisonous fertiliser. He becomes so confused that he decides to climb onto the school roof, and doesn't know why he's there. Seeing Mr Coley swaying precariously on the roof, Dr Martin Ellingham bravely scales the ladder to rescue him. The root of Mr Coley's problem lies in his potting shed where a paraffin heater has been giving off toxic fumes.

Aunt Ruth uncovers a chest of family heirlooms when she clears out a barn at the farm, including photos as Martin as a six year old schoolboy. The photos bring back poignant memories of an unhappy childhood for Martin.

It prompts Martin to think of registering James Henry for boarding school. But Louisa is horrified at the thought of sending their son miles away to school.

Tension is mounting between Louisa and Martin. They can't seem to agree on anything, from the schooling for their son, to what to cook for supper. The final straw for Louisa comes when she discovers Martin has set a date for their baby's christening without even consulting her. Louisa decides she has had enough. She packs a bag, and takes the baby back home to her mum.

Broadcast details

Date
Monday 17th October 2011
Time
9pm
Channel
ITV1
Length
60 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Martin Clunes Dr Martin Ellingham
Caroline Catz Louisa Glasson
Ian McNeice Bert Large
John Marquez PC Penhale
Eileen Atkins Aunt Ruth Ellingham
Jessica Ransom Morwenna Newcross
Louise Jameson Eleanor
Buffy Davis Pippa Woodley
Guest cast
Sarah Buckland Mrs Clyde
Julie Graham Maggie Reid
Brian Pettifer Mr Coley
Samuel Timson Adam Dawson
Joseph Timson Garth Dawson
Lucy Hutchinson Ella
Writing team
Chris Hurford Writer
Tom Butterworth Writer
Robert Leedham Script Editor
Production team
Ben Bolt Director
Philippa Braithwaite Producer
Mark Crowdy Executive Producer
Nick McPhee Editor
Anthony Ainsworth Production Designer
Jane Broomfield Production Designer
Colin Towns Composer

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