ITV confirms Doc Martin has been AXED after 16 years - here's why

Doc Martin returns
Life's a beach for the downcast doctor (Image credit: ITV (c))

The next series of Doc Martin will sadly be the last...

ITV has confirmed today that series 10 of Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes, will be the last.

Series 10 of the ITV drama will start filming in spring next year, with episodes then being shown on screens later in 2021.

Doc Martin ITV1

Doc Martin will be having up his stethoscope after 16 years (Picture: ITV)

But today the news has been announced that this will be the last series made as the grump doctor hangs up his stethoscope.

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16 years of the grumpy doctor 

Despite his cantankerous bedside manner, Doc Martin has won legions of fans around the world as he uses his medical expertise to treat patients in sleepy Cornish fishing village of Portwenn.

Speaking of the series coming to an end, actor Martin Clunes has asked fans to see the final series as a celebration of the show...

"We have loved making nine series of Doc Martin.

Doc Martin 2019

Doc Martin has become famous for his grumpy demeanour over the years (Picture: ITV)

"When we launched the series in 2004 we could never have imagined how much our loyal viewers would take to the grumpy Doc like they have.

"The series has avid fans both in the UK and throughout the world and we are thrilled that Doc Martin has topped the ratings every time.

"However, after sixteen years we now feel that the time has come to say goodbye to Portwenn.

"We will be making the tenth and final series in 2021 and we are very much looking forward to returning to Cornwall to film it."

Doc Martin

Martin Clunes will film his final scenes as Doc Martin next year (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: Neil Genower)

Paying tribute to the team

ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill has also paid tribute to Martin, producer Philippa and the hard-working production team and crew who produce the comedy drama.

"I just want to thank Martin and Philippa and everyone involved in the show, because it’s a brilliant, beautifully made series that has delighted audiences for many years.

"I am pleased that we are making series 10, and sad this will be the last, but respect their decision to bring it to a close."

The tenth and final season of Doc Martin will air in 2021.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.