Filming to start soon as the Doc returns to 'Port Wenn'
GRUMPY GP Doc Martin is set to return to the narrow streets of Port Isaac later this year.
This week ITV announced it has commissioned a new series of the popular show and that filming could start as early as April.
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Martin Clunes on the set of Doc Martin at Port Issac with the crew.
Martin Clunes will return in the role as title character Doc Martin in the new eight-part series to be filmed in the village and other parts of Cornwall.
Although scripts are still having their final tweaks it is thought that the new season will find the Doc struggling to maintain his life as a GP and contemplating leaving the village, after his wedding day disaster with school head-mistress Louisa.
At its peak in 2007 Doc Martin attracted an audience of more than nine million viewers.
Since filming began the village, renamed Port Wenn for the show, has seen an influx of tourists. Although many agree that it is good news for the economy some residents have raised concerns that the extra visitors are causing traffic chaos.
In August last year a public meeting called about parking issues resulted in more than 30 people protesting to St Endellion Parish Council.
The village's roads have been filled with vehicles, some parking dangerously, with visitors from as far afield as Australia flocking to the real life setting of the drama.
Locals said many tourists have been leaving their vehicles by the children's play area between Garrick to Trewetha, which poses a danger to young users.
The parish council is hoping to join in discussions with the production company about future filming and any financial contributions it may be able to provide to solve some of the parking issues including the possibility of opening a new car park at the top of the village.
A spokesman from Doc Martin said: "Although the show has been commissioned, the scripts are still being drafted and many staff do not officially start work until next week. We are not sure where and when we will be filming as yet but as soon as we do will be liaising with St Endellion Parish Council if required."
5 Comments
by Lois Sandow, Australia
Monday, March 15 2010, 2:04AM
“Could you please advise when the next series will commence here in Western Australia, Australia.”
by Elisabeth Hoenisch, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Sunday, December 06 2009, 7:38PM
“I absolutely love " Doc. Martin." Enven seeing reruns is great. Can't get enough of this show. The location(s) are beautiful. The characters- all of tem - are just great. I can't tell you how much we are looking forward to the new season. It will be a few months yet but I keep my eyes on anything & everything regarding this most wonderful show. It is funny but not in a silly way. Martin has a lot of stuff he needs to deal wit from his unhappy & dysfunctional past. Having seen his struggles in relating with and to people one can understand him & have compassion on the : little boy " inside this grown grumpy man. He elicits pity, especially after having " met " his totally loveless & so very cold parents. His aunt Joan is a realistic person, I love her. I have never really watched serials but this one has me hooked for good. If and when I will purchase the entire DVD set in the near future.
Thank you for entertaining us with a realistic & not always funny show.
Elisabeth Hoenisch, Canada”
by Dianne Volkoff, Greenfield, WI USA
Wednesday, September 16 2009, 1:10PM
“Began watching Doc last year on our local PBS channel and have become "hooked". It's the highlight of my week but we're so behind in the story and, many times we only get the same series over and over . Even that's ok as long as I get to see any Doc.
Please keep it going !!! Love it !!!”
by paul ellam, bilston, west midlands
Monday, August 31 2009, 2:27PM
“i am over the moon that doc martin is coming back for a new series. me & my family love it and we think that it is the best comedy drama on tv. well done to all the cast & crew keep up the good work.”
by Ivan Christensen, Wenatchee, WA USA
Wednesday, April 29 2009, 5:22AM
“I am a recent viewer to Doc Martin which is aired on Seattle Public Television. I find this series to be very interesting and engrossing to me. I am a health-car provider myself so it is good relief for me to get lost in Doc Martin's dramas. I enjoy thoroughly, becoming acquainted with the local characters in the series however fictitious. In June, I will be visiting the UK as a Rotarian, attending their international conference in Birimigham and hope to make a side trip to the area of filming myself as others have done. I manage to view one or two episodes of Doc Martin every week.”