Doc Martin stars reveal the name game that keeps them in titters on set (VIDEO)

(Image credit: Neil Genower)

Next time you're watching Doc Martin, pay close attention to the patients' names because the cast have created a punning name game that keeps them amused on set.

Jessica Ransom told What's on TV: "We always put in funny patient names, we've had a lot of good fun putting a few of those in. We had a nice old lady the other day who was Alice Cooper... Oh, Germain Mann that was a good one!" "]

"I've got a list, last series I made a list which was in my reception book on the desk and it mysteriously disappeared between the last series and this series, so I've had to start my list again."

Robyn Addison (Janice) added: "We had a whole conversation at dinner during filming..."

Jessica said: "Once you start playing the game of Funny Patient Names nobody really speaks... So I've got a new book, so I might have to take it with me so it doesn't get stolen because we've still got to get in Paul Mycock and Theresa Green for example. There's plenty more up my sleeves."

The Doc Martin stars also commented on the garish looks their characters wear this series.

"My look is sort of trashy, not always trashy, but lots of colour," said Robyn. "Totally tropical, tropical aztec. You're more leopard print, I'm more aztec, I've got some flowers actually... Some 70s flares."

Jessica said: "I don't think there are particular rules about putting outfits together.. Les Lansdown, our costume designer is absolutely incredible and every day I open my trailer door and go, 'OK... Good. I'm pleased I shaved my legs!'"

Watch an interview with Doc Martin stars Robyn Addison and Jessica Ransom, above."]

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.