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Private Notes
When obstetrician Martin Bamford learns that his wife has been unfaithful to him with all three of his best mates, he decides to leave London for a short while to clear his head and decide what to do next. He heads to the village of Port Isaac in Cornwall where he had spent some time as a boy. He's a bit of an oddity in the village and some at least suspect he may be there for no good reason. He soon makes friends and finds himself working on a fishing boat and enjoying a somewhat carefree life. Someone in the village is distributing poison pen letters of a sort with messages or photos stuck inside jellies that people find on their doorstep. Soon, some of the villagers point the finger at Martin who thinks those accusing him are daft.
Doctor Bamford has had enough of village life and is desperate for some distance from inquisitive Cornish neighbours. When the local estate agent shows him Tregunnt Farm " derelict and miles from anywhere " it's love at first sight. But the Bowden family from London also have their eye on the property with a view to developing the surrounding land into ugly holiday cottages. After being gazumped, the Doc decides to try and spook the family into leaving by pretending to be the Beast of Bodmin.
The tranquility of Portwenn is disturbed when a group of birdwatchers descends on the village in search of a rare bird. Pauline announces that she wants to go to university, so Martin has to start looking for another receptionist. Louisa's father Terry arrives unannounced in Portwenn - could this have an effect on the relationship between Martin and Louisa?
DVD extra: Outtakes and bloopers from Season 1
Season 8 Bonus Feature
Season 8 Bonus Feature
Portwenn’s grumpy GP seems determined to cast himself as the Grinch, his first move here being to disappoint the kids by snatching Santa from his grotto because he suspects him of having a contagious skin condition. And don’t get the Doc started on the dangers of displaying trees indoors. They’re a fire hazard, apparently. With all this in mind, you’d think he’d be immune to the magic of Christmas, but this series finale tries to get Martin to see the error of his ways. Rather touchingly, it must be said. And, what’s more, there’s not a National Elf Service joke in sight.
Caroline Catz takes viewers behind the scenes of Doc Martin to discover the secrets of the ITV drama’s huge success in a special documentary, Farewell Doc Martin.
Portwenn’s grumpy GP seems determined to cast himself as the Grinch, his first move here being to disappoint the kids by snatching Santa from his grotto because he suspects him of having a contagious skin condition. And don’t get the Doc started on the dangers of displaying trees indoors. They’re a fire hazard, apparently. With all this in mind, you’d think he’d be immune to the magic of Christmas, but this series finale tries to get Martin to see the error of his ways. Rather touchingly, it must be said. And, what’s more, there’s not a National Elf Service joke in sight.
Caroline Catz takes viewers behind the scenes of Doc Martin to discover the secrets of the ITV drama’s huge success in a special documentary, Farewell Doc Martin.
After developing a sudden fear of blood, successful surgeon Dr. Martin Ellingham abandons London for a general practice in a quiet Cornish hamlet.
Quirky Doc Martin opens his village practice, only to discover that most of his 'patients' enjoy using his waiting room as a makeshift social club.
When a nasty stomach virus hits Portwenn, half the village takes ill, and Doc thinks he has traced the virus's source to the local swimming pool.
After turning down lovely teacher Louisa's invitation to a village dance, the socially awkward Doc treats a park ranger with an unusual problem.
When one of his Aunt Joan's former beaus comes back to Portwenn to woo her, Doc must butt in after discovering the man has a serious heart condition.
Upon discovering Doc's fear of blood, the village starts buzzing with the news. Bert insists on playing a practical joke, but Doc isn't laughing.
Dr Ellingham visits an elderly patient in the villiage, but has to contend with her irate son, who turns out to be one of Louisa's ex-boyfriends. Things become even more complicated when he meets the new receptionist and sees a patient who claims he was injured while being mugged but refuses to give a statement to the police.
An outbreak of what the Doc suspects is Impetigo leads to problems for Louisa, who must decide whether to follow the Doc's orders to force the infected children to stay at home, or to help the parents by allowing the children to attend school. The decision is made harder by her impending interview to take over the job of Head Teacher - in front of a board of governors that (to his surprise) includes Doc Martin. Meanwhile, an accident in the Fish and Chip shop leaves Bert behind the fryers and the owner's son, Peter, in need of somewhere to stay while his mother is in hospital. His first choice is with none other than a certain Doctor Martin Ellingham...
The Doc deals with a strange family who seem reluctant to let him make house calls, and whose passion for taxidermy seems to hint at a dark secret involving their missing mother. PC Mystow also has family problems when his overbearing sister moves in a sets up shop - much to the Doc's disgust - as a herbalist. A chance remark by Pauline sets Al on a path that could well destroy his relationship with Bert.
The people of Portwenn are concerned for Radio Portwenn's DJ Caroline Bosman, whose increasingly erratic behaviour has them suspecting that she has been hitting the bottle. The Doc has to deal with an elderly patient whose personal aroma can clear a room, but is unable to determine a medical cause for the stench. PC Mylow hopes that his pheremone spray will endear him to a pretty newcomer to the village, while the Doc/Louisa/Danny triangle gets even more complicated.
Pauline looks set to achieve her ambition of joining the Portwenn Lifeboat crew. However, her joy is short lived when she is confronted with the chauvinistic behaviour of her shipmates. Martin is accused of murder by the husband of a woman who died in his care.
Martin's estranged parents charming Christopher and Margaret make a surprise visit, school secretary Maureen Tracey visits the doctor with what she thinks it is a thyroid problem, PC Mark Mylow announces he's getting engaged, and when Danny Steel collapses, Dr Ellingham has to carry out emergency surgery to save his life.
PC Mark Mylow can't persuade Dr Ellingham to be his best man, but Al Large agrees. The stag weekend – a camping trip – goes wrong when an adder bites Mark’s ankle and he suffers a potentially fatal allergic reaction. Meanwhile, Dr Ellingham deals with a spate of weever fish stings among teenage boys playing a dangerous game of dare.
A Salvation Army member arrives in Portwenn to try to trace a missing woman, Danny asks reluctant girlfriend Louisa to move into him, and PC Mark Mylow's medical check has a shock result.
Martin suspects Louisa may have anaemia. Aunt Joan is forced to receive treatment from Martin after nearly running someone over. The Doc is approached by Alison Lane, who worries about her daughter Delph's behaviour.
Bert Large opens a restaurant in Portwenn, but when a food-poisoning alert appears to be connected to it, it could be a short-lived opening. When Louisa contracts food-poisoning, Martin is rather self-consciously forced to treat her in her bedroom.
Anthony and Terri Oakwood move in next door to Louisa with their son, Sam, who is given extreme freedom by his parents to express himself. The new arrivals interrupt a planned dinner between Louisa and Martin, and Martin leaves abruptly.
Mrs Wilson, the hypochondriac owner of the Wilson hotel, forces her attentions on a very indifferent Martin, which makes Louisa jealous anyway. Joan dates a much younger man than her, much to Martin's surprise.
Martin and Louisa go on a date, but his usual bluntness ruins a romantic moment, and Louisa ends the struggling relationship. However, a friend of Louisa's visiting from the City, Holly, injures her back on the beach, and is forced to remain in Portween. Martin has to treat her at Louisa's house, while at the same time trying to overcome his own distraction at Louisa's dismissal of him.
As an excited Portwenn digests the news that Martin and Louisa are engaged, it's business as usual for the doctor. Beth Sawle's knee wound is not responding to the treatment he's prescribed, and when Martin visits the remote cottage where she lives with her strange sister Janet, he makes a disturbing discovery. Meanwhile, Bert's restaurant is in financial trouble, prompting son Al to take decisive action.
It's Martin's wedding day and he manages to offend the vicar who is due to conduct the ceremony by suggesting he has a drink problem. When they struggle over a bottle of whisky, the vicar falls over, fracturing his pelvis and Martin has to find a replacement. Pauline suggests the former vicar of Delabole, who strikes a deal. He will conduct the wedding ceremony if Martin will examine his sick pig. Bert and Al are putting the finishing touches to the wedding banquet when disaster strikes. Last in the series.
Doc Martin is struggling to maintain his life as a GP, after his wedding day disaster with school headmistress Louisa. She has left the village, and he is starting to question whether this is where he wants to stay, until an old friend turns up.
Dr Martin Ellingham struggles to deal with Louisa’s news. But Louisa is adamant she does not want Martin involved.
Dr Martin Ellingham is shocked to find Louisa and Aunt Joan knocking at his door before the Surgery has opened. Louisa has had a medical scare and wants Martin’s reassurance that everything is fine.
Dr Martin Ellingham is called to Louisa’s new home after she has a dizzy spell while shifting furniture. Martin urges her to slow down, but is shocked to learn that Louisa has applied to be her school’s headteacher again.
Dr Martin Ellingham is in London to meet with Robert Dashwood, who is leading the selection process for the prestigious London surgeon’s job that Martin has applied for. Robert can tell that Martin is excited to be back in the world of surgery, and is pleased that Martin has finally conquered his debilitating blood phobia. Robert is confident that Martin will get the job.
Dr Martin Ellingham meets Portwenn’s new midwife, Molly, who will be looking after Louisa. Martin is dismissive of her profession, and the two of them do not hit it off.
Dr Martin Ellingham seeks out Louisa to talk about his new surgeon’s job in London, but they are interrupted by Bert, who wants to plan a baby shower for Louisa.
Dr Martin Ellingham and Pauline are surprised by the number of patients coming to see him on the last day before his Surgery closes and he moves to London.
The curmudgeonly GP struggles to come to terms with his new role as a father, having planned to resume his career as a consultant in London before the arrival of his and Louisa's as-yet unnamed son. To make matters worse, he begins to have serious doubts about the competency of his replacement Dr Di Dibbs when she misdiagnoses a patient as well as herself. Martin is then dealt a devastating personal blow after hearing his aunt Joan has died. (This Episode Is Rated TV-PG-V)
The GP returns to his former post at the surgery after the departure of Dr Dibbs, agreeing to stay until a replacement is found. He persuades a reluctant Louisa to move into his house so he can help raise their son, and suggests they could all move to London together in the future. Martin then delivers the eulogy at his aunt Joan's funeral and speaks to her sister Ruth, who proves to be just as cantankerous as he is.
New receptionist Morwenna Newcross gets off to a bad start after arriving late on her first day, and her hyperactive behaviour leads Martin to believe she is high on drugs. Ruth tries to deal with an intruder on the farm who has stolen the hub caps from her car, and the sleepless nights begin to take their toll on Martin and Louisa, who are running out of ways to comfort their constantly wailing baby.
Louisa's hippie mother Eleanor arrives in the village, immediately taking over Martin's kitchen to prepare a herbal tonic, which she later gives to the baby to stop his crying. A culinary rivalry develops between Bert and Mark Bridge, the landlord of the Crab and Lobster pub, at Portwenn Fun Day with both keen to take advantage of the event by providing food for the spectators.
PC Penhale is shocked by the unexpected arrival of his ex-wife Maggie, who appears to have forgotten that they separated years ago and wants to know why he left her. Eleanor goes on a date with local fisherman Paul Hale, an old friend she has not seen since school, while Martin and Louisa finally agree on a name for their baby
Maggie gets the all-clear from the doctor and decides she will return to Bude, forcing PC Penhale to take desperate measures to persuade her to stay in Portwenn. Ruth uncovers a raft of family heirlooms while clearing out a barn at the farm, and the mounting tension between Martin and Louisa peaks when she discovers he has booked a date for James Henry's christening without consulting her.
Bert Large's restaurant business is financial trouble. He can't even afford the food and drink for a charity event to raise money for Florence Dingle's cat sanctuary. Mrs Dingle is distraught. She desperately needs the money to continue to look after the cats and kittens in her care. Bert is also being chased by loan sharks Alastair Tonken and his son Norman for the repayment of £1,000 they gave him to clear his debts, warning of repercussions if he doesn't pay up.
Mrs Tishell decides she can no longer hide her love for Martin and, fuelled by a cocktail of drugs, takes drastic action. While James Henry is in her care, she boards a bus out of Portwenn and leaves a message for Dr Ellingham to `meet them at the castle', forcing Martin, Louisa, Ruth and PC Penhale to mount a desperate search for the pair.
Martin and Louisa are about to get married but will it ever happen. Martin is feeling irritated by PC Penhale, who wrongly believes that he is going to be the best man and Louisa is also late for the service. The vicar has serious doubts as to whether she will turn up, leaving Martin on edge. After she finally arrives the couple are married. Things after the wedding don't go as Martin hoped and Ruth has a difficult time looking after James.
The GP is left holding the baby after upsetting the new childminder, but luckily Mike agrees to look after James at short notice. However, Louisa is not happy with the arrangement and an argument erupts between the newlyweds just as their guests arrive for dinner - and that's only the first of the evening's problems.
A stranger stops dead in his tracks when he sees Ruth in the village, and later he spies on her when she is having a coffee with Caroline. Ruth is not sure why, but she starts feeling uneasy. One of Louisa's pupils blames an upset stomach on a meal she ate at Bert's restaurant and writes about it in the school magazine. Bert and Al are furious, and they go to see Louisa wanting something to be done.
When Martin is talked into taking baby James to playgroup, he is forced to sing along with the other mums. As the parents pair up, one of them says she is worried about her daughter, to which Martin replies that the girl is probably just backward. Al helps Ruth move into a cottage in the village where she meets her new neighbour, a grumpy old man called Moysey. When Moysey goes for a repeat prescription for his asthma, Martin notices that his breathing has got worse - but he takes exception to being poked and prodded. Al admits he would like a girlfriend and asks Morwenna if she has any single friends. Morwenna asks her mate Janice, who is not impressed by the idea. So a desperate Al decides to sign up with Cornish Couples, a dating website.
Mrs Tishell returns to the village. Martin has to work out what is wrong with beach comber Lorna. Al and Morwenna have an internet dating disaster, and romance is blossoming for Bert and Jennifer.
Penhale spreads pandemonium throughout the village and Bert pops the question to Jennifer.
During an examination, Mrs Tishell is smitten by Martin holding her hands and staring into her eyes, and falls head-over-heels in love with him again. Two military policemen call at the police station looking for Mike Pruddy. Al pretends not to know Mike, then goes to warn him the army are looking for him. Louisa has shocking news for Martin.
Louisa is leaving for Spain, Bert and Jennifer's engagement party goes off with a bang, and Al is hailed as a hero for saving Caroline's life.
With Louisa visiting her mother in Spain to get some perspective on their marriage, Martin knows he needs to try to change for the sake of their relationship, so he endeavours to keep his promise to her to see a therapist. Aunt Ruth arranges an appointment for him with Dr Rachel Timoney, but a lifeboat training exercise causes problems for the doctor. Will he get back in time for his first session?
Al welcomes his first fishing guests, but an uninvited one means that a good review is definitely not guaranteed, while Bert decides to try to rejuvenate trade at the restaurant by joining an online voucher scheme. Morwenna asks Martin for a pay rise, and Louisa has to find a new babysitter to look after James Henry and reluctantly decides to offer Janice a trial. Penhale is excited to receive his new police issue Taser, but Portwenn does not exactly offer him plenty of opportunities to try it out.
The irascible medic decides to move out of the Surgery to give Louisa space, leaving Mrs Tishell concerned he will not be able to look after himself on his own. Elsewhere, PC Penhale helps Janice babysit, and Al is very concerned when he finds out about Bert's behaviour and hears there are bailiffs at the restaurant.
Louisa and Martin have their first therapy session together - though neither of them was expecting they would be given homework - while Morwenna is not happy about it when a teenager on work experience starts trying to boss her around in the surgery. Mrs Tishell is surprised when her husband Clive returns and tells her he wants to give things another go, and Louisa has to call Martin when one of her pupils collapses during a school excursion.
After reaching breaking point with being followed around by Buddy, Martin resolves to find a vet to have it put down, while Ruth finds out that Bert has been trying to make his own whisky. Clive is suspicious of Mrs Tishell and who she might be cooking meals for, Penhale makes a hash of asking Janice out, and Louisa and Martin's therapy homework results in a picnic on the beach, where they are interrupted by local vet Angela Sim - who appears to be hallucinating.
Louisa helps out her ex-boyfriend Danny when he brings seven children from London to camp on Ruth's farm - supervised by Al and Bert - while she and Martin plan a date on the advice of Dr Timoney. However, their night at the restaurant is interrupted when Danny calls saying one of the youngsters has gone missing. Things get worse for the couple when Martin uncovers a health scare at James's first birthday party that makes all the guests leave very quickly.
Louisa is not best pleased when her new art teacher Erica wants to try out some rather alternative ideas on the children, while Dr Timoney is involved in a car accident outside the school. Penhale is confused when he is offered a transfer to Exeter, Bert decides to go back to being a handyman, and Louisa and Martin are intrigued when Dr Timoney invites them for an additional therapy session. Plus, an American tourist seeks help from the GP.
Louisa and Martin decide to make a go of it, starting with a conciliatory dinner but Louisa is concerned when Martin fails to show up. In fact he has been taken prisoner by elderly Annie Winton, who wants him to save her terminally ill husband Jim, despite Jim's more stoical attitude. Louisa and Joe Penhale track him down and the outcome provides a solution to the Ellinghams' marriage problems. There is good news too for Al, as not only have Ruth and Bert decided to go into business to market Bert's whiskey to promote Al's B & B but he also gets a date with ...
Wedding bells are set to ring for PC Penhale and Janice, but nothing ever goes smoothly in Portwenn.
Martin and Louisa search for a nursery now that Janice has left, and Mrs Tishell is shocked to find out that Al has very high blood pressure. Louisa also helps with the diagnosis of a pupil, which spurs her on to explore the possibilities of a change of career. This is not welcome news for Martin, who dislikes any kind of change, even if it could be for the better. Elsewhere, Ruth is approached about selling her farm.
Martin is left holding the baby when Louisa has to take Year Six pupils sailing. He has to collect James from nursery every afternoon, but with surgery hours Martin is constantly late.
Morwenna’s parents Jack and Tara pay a surprise visit, having been working as missionaries in Kenya. However, the reunion is tinged with sadness when it turns out that Morwenna’s mother has liver cancer, and has decided against treatment because of her faith. Louisa’s first online call for her new course does not go as planned – especially when Martin tells the lecturer exactly what he thinks – and Joe investigates a break-in at the school where nothing has been stolen. Martin Clunes stars in the comedy drama, with Jessica Ransom, Caroline Catz, John Marquez, Kevin Doyle and Rebecca Lacey.
Louisa has problems at school with Toby, Angela Sim’s Nephew. Meanwhile, Al has a ‘Large Whiskey’ order and has to ask Bert for some help, and Mrs Tishell seems to be having a delayed onset of mourning. Elsewhere, Martin and Louisa decide to try Mel’s suggestions of using amber beads to help James while he is teething.
Penhale decides to have a Police Open day to raise community awareness, but the only genuine visitor is an angry farmer who has had three of her sheep stolen. Meanwhile, Morwenna decides to take Al away for the weekend to try out Hannah’s new glamping site, but the trip does not go well as Al accidently burns down the yurt. Elsewhere, James has started biting not only Louisa but other children at the nursery. Louisa speaks to Tina about it, but is surprised to find out Tina has spoken to their lecturer about it too.
Martin wakes up to an empty bed. When he goes looking for Louisa he discovers she is trying to write her resignation letter.
Martin prepares to face his hearing, but despite having closed the practice, he finds all his patients are trying to make appointments. An American tourist who visited Portwenn previously returns to the town, hoping to research her family tree. However, she also has a medical issue, and comes to the troubled doctor seeking his advice. Louisa goes to see Chris to find out how serious the situation is, while the townsfolk take steps to show Martin how much he is appreciated.
Martin's medical career remains under scrutiny, as a GMC representative has come to assess him and his surgery.
Martin's GMC report requires he passes three refresher courses which will then decide whether he is deemed fit to practice, starting with phlebotomy.
Ruth is concerned about becoming increasingly forgetful, and is even more perturbed when Martin offers to perform a mini mental state examination.
Martin has his second GMC assessment - mock surgery - and Buddy is missing. Meanwhile, Ken's arrival does not bring good news for Al and Bert, and Penhale unhappy with the arrival of his predecessor, Mark Mylow, who tries to take charge of his investigation.
Martin investigates after local farmer Dennis Thorpe shoots at Robert for taking some of his eggs. Meanwhile, Emily returns to the surgery to see Martin after her acne medication caused a bad reaction, a secret bidder buys the Crab and Lobster pub, and Louisa ponders if she should see a fertility specialist.
Martin and Louisa have their first fertility consultation with Dr Emma Ryder. Meanwhile, a case of vandalism at a local surf school is reported and PC Joe Penhale investigates. Elsewhere, Dr Edward Mullen returns to the surgery, and Bert is feeling the pressure from Caitlin. Starring Martin Clunes, Lucy Russell and Conleth Hill.
Martin has to rush Buddy the dog to the vets. Meanwhile, Mrs Tishell's young cousin Sarah joins her for some work experience, but it does not go to plan, and one of Louisa's clients arrives at the surgery unannounced, posing a dilemma.
Martin rushes to Ruth's for a medical emergency, and preparations for Morwenna and Al's wedding do not go to plan. Elsewhere, Martin takes his final GMC assessment under the watchful eye of eminent surgeon Bernard Newton, who monitors Martin's skills in assisted surgery.
After having his career scrutinised by the General Medical Council because of his blood phobia, Martin makes efforts to overcome his fear and begins to question whether he made the right decision about resigning.
The surgery is chaotic, with both Martin and Louisa now practising from it. Bert's new business venture with Al doesn't get off to a good start, and Penhale suspects noise complaints are due to paranormal activity.
Martin is called to an emergency at a local farm, but much to his annoyance the sick farmer, Ron Pickford seems well enough to be managing his lambing sheep.
Martin rubs up against the new herbalist and Penhale, Louisa and James are all interested in Janice's new pedicure fish. Martin's ex-flame invites him to speak as keynote speaker at Imperial College, and Ruth is back from Mexico with more than maracas.
Louisa is shocked and Martin suspicious by the unannounced return of her father. Ruth is helping Martin with his blood phobia when she discovers his predicament, and an unexpected caravan squatter thwarts Bert's dreams of making a quick buck.
Martin and Louisa are off to London for Martin to present his research paper. Janice is looking after the children, but things don't go smoothly when Penhale tries to help. Martin also has a few hiccups including an unexpected proposition or two.
The news of Martin's Imperial College job offer is flying through the village, but the Ellinghams are yet to make a decision. Caitlin blames Bert for the flooded pub cellar, and an emergency on the rocks helps Morwenna make some important decisions.
The villagers throw the Ellinghams a farewell party and Ruth helps Mrs Tishell deal with the news and encourages her to attend, but it seems that Martin and Louisa aren't going to make it because a farmer has spotted their lost dog.
