Filming starts on Doc Martin Series 9
- Filming has started on Series 9 of Doc Martin, with the cast returning to Port Isaac in Cornwall
- 8 episodes are being made. The new series will see the Doc's career hanging in the balance
- The Doc Martin team have been given an award for the show's contribution to Cornish tourism
Production is underway on Series 9 of Doc Martin.
The producers confirm: "Martin Clunes returns to Cornwall to play the nation's favourite grumpy medic in a brand new series of Doc Martin for ITV."
Eight new episodes of the show are being made, with location filming again taking place in the idyllic hamlet of Port Isaac, which doubles for the fictional Portwenn.
Caroline Catz plays Doc Martin's wife, Louisa Ellingham, who has resigned from her job as headmistress at the local school to pursue a new career in child counselling.
Also returning to this ninth series will be Dame Eileen Atkins as Doc Martin's formidable Aunt Ruth. Ian McNeice is back to play Bert Large, with Joe Absolom as his son Al. John Marquez is PC Joe Penhale, Jessica Ransom is the doctor's receptionist Morwenna Newcross and Selina Cadell is pharmacist Mrs Tishell.
Martin Clunes says: "We love going to Cornwall to make Doc Martin, and we miss it when we are not there. The county is so beautiful, and the people have been so warm and welcoming to us. It is the best job in television."
In this new series the Doc's career is hanging in the balance. His future as a GP is under scrutiny from the General Medical Council following complaints about his irascible approach to patients.
Doc Martin has been filmed in Port Isaac, and the surrounding areas of the north coast of Cornwall, since 2004. The huge popularity of the ITV show brings thousands of tourists to the hamlet and this boost to tourism was recognised by Cornwall Tourism which presented a special award for outstanding contribution to tourism to team at a grand ceremony held at Truro Cathedral.
Producer Philippa Braithwaite says the Doc Martin team was delighted to receive such a prestigious award. "The people of Cornwall, and Port Isaac in particular, have always been so helpful to us when we are making Doc Martin. We are thrilled that we have been able to give something back, and to be recognised in this way is the icing on the cake.
"We also contribute to a fund for the village and have raised £134,000 so far. The people of Port Isaac decide how the funds should be used."
The funding has helped to support the Port Isaac Village School and it's nursery, with transport for swimming and after school clubs. It has supported the Village Hall, provided disabled access to the hall, and helped to arrange transport for outings, speakers and meals for local pensioners. Funds have also been used for the Christmas lights in Port Isaac, and to set up an arts group.
Head of Visit Cornwall, Malcolm Bell, said as he presented the outstanding contribution award to Mark Crowdy, Doc Martin's Executive Producer: "The Doc Martin team has projected the beauty and unique quality of Cornwall in the UK and around the world. At trade events in the overseas markets they are frequently mentioned, and resulted in generating interest in and considerable visits to Cornwall.
"Their output showcases our stunning coast and Cornwall. In our research our visitors cited it influenced around 10% of our visitors to return or visit for the first time."
Doc Martin Series 9 will be shown on ITV later in 2019. Channels around the world are also expected to pick up the broadcast rights.