Martin Clunes has confirmed that the British version of ITV's medical comedy-drama Doc Martin is 'comprehensively done' after 79 episodes, ruling out any revival of the show that ran from 2004 to 2022. The actor, who played the irascible GP Dr Martin Ellingham, said there are no new stories to tell about the character.
Speaking to Saga Magazine, Clunes also dismissed the possibility of reviving Men Behaving Badly, another hit show from his career, saying it 'just wouldn't be funny any more' in the modern era. He added that a reunion with former co-star Neil Morrissey is unlikely: 'I don't think it would fly with 65-year-old men talking about Kylie Minogue’s bottom.'
Despite ruling out returns, Clunes said he cannot afford to retire due to the high costs of running his farm and keeping his animals fed. 'I just take whatever gig comes along,' he said. 'I have to stay busy because running the farm and keeping the animals fed is expensive.'
Clunes has not ruled out appearing in the US remake of Doc Martin, titled Best Medicine, which is produced by his wife Philippa Braithwaite. He praised lead actor Josh Charles and hinted at a possible return: 'I get kind of tickled by seeing that show and I think they might get me back for more episodes, which would be fun.'
His most recent role was portraying disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards in the docudrama Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards. Clunes described the production as 'bold' and praised the script and director Michael Samuels. He also played Mr. Earnshaw in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights, defending the film against criticism of its liberties with the original novel.
