For millions of viewers, Martin Clunes is Doc Martin - the grumpy but brilliant GP who captured hearts in the picturesque Cornish village of Portwenn. But for the actor himself, the connection to Cornwall runs much deeper than a television role, touching upon profound family history and personal loss.
A Father's Lasting Legacy
In an emotional revelation, Clunes shared that his decision to continue filming the beloved series in Cornwall is powerfully linked to his late father, who passed away from lung cancer in 1999. "My dad's memorial is down there," Clunes disclosed, his voice filled with emotion. "He loved it so much."
The 62-year-old actor explained how his father, a former Scottish Guardsman, developed a deep affection for Cornwall during his lifetime. This personal connection transforms what could be just another filming location into sacred ground for the BAFTA-winning star.
More Than Just a Workplace
While Cornwall's stunning coastal scenery provides the perfect backdrop for the hit ITV drama, for Clunes it represents something far more meaningful. "It's not just a beautiful place to work," he emphasised. "It feels like coming home to a place that holds precious memories of my father."
This emotional tether explains why Clunes has remained so committed to the series and its Cornish setting, even as the show approaches its tenth series and celebrates numerous special episodes.
From London to Cornish Coast
The actor, who lives in Dorset with his family, makes the regular journey to Cornwall feel like a pilgrimage rather than a commute. Each visit allows him to reconnect with his father's memory while bringing the beloved character of Dr Martin Ellingham to life.
Fans of the show have long appreciated the authentic Cornish atmosphere that permeates every episode, but few could have guessed how personally authentic that connection was for its leading man.
A Lasting Tribute
As Doc Martin continues to delight audiences worldwide, the series now carries an additional layer of meaning. Each scene filmed against Cornwall's rugged coastline serves as an ongoing tribute to a father's memory and the special bond between parent and child.
"He loved it so much," Clunes repeated softly, making it clear that as long as the cameras keep rolling in Cornwall, his father's spirit remains very much present in every frame.
