Doc Martin: Christmas Special (ITV Sunday 25 December 2022)

Christmas Special: With Martin Clunes’ return to the role of the nation’s favourite grumpy doctor in an ITV one-off special of the wildly popular drama Doc Martin, Christmas is coming to Portwenn.

Martin Clunes reprises his role as Dr. Martin Ellingham, the GP with a harsh bedside manner and a phobia of blood, in this holiday treat, produced by Buffalo Pictures and set in the picturesque village of Portwenn, following the ratings triumph of the final, tenth season in the Autumn.

The seasonal special’s picturesque Port Isaac serves as the stunning wintry background, and all of the regular cast members reprise their roles.

Caroline Catz plays Doc Martin’s wife, Louisa Ellingham, Dame Eileen Atkins plays Doc Martin’s formidable Aunt Ruth. Ian McNeice is back to play Bert Large, with Joe Absolom as his son Al. John Marquez is PC Joe Penhale, Jessica Ransom is the doctor’s receptionist, and Al’s wife, Morwenna, and Selina Cadell is pharmacist Mrs Tishell. They are joined by guest stars Ron Cook, Claire Bloom and Emma Amos.

When Doc Martin closes the grotto because he thinks Santa may have a contagious illness, the children, especially James (Elliott Blake), his own son, are angry. The doctor tells Leonard (Santa, portrayed by Ron Cook) that he cannot be Santa until they have the diagnosis as they wait for the test results to determine why Leonard is itchy so much.

In an effort to demonstrate the wonder of Christmas to the Doc, Leonard tries to smuggle the Ellinghams’ presents down the chimney. Martin is upset and berates Leonard for risking his life on their house’s roof, not realising James was there to see it all. James makes the decision to leave to look for Santa, but Ruth runs into him and convinces him to eat breakfast because it will take a while to get to the North Pole.

Louisa resolves to organise a lantern procession with the support of the community to attempt to make up for James’ regret at not getting to see Santa. Louisa has happy memories of lantern parades from her childhood in Portwenn. PC When asked to put on his Santa suit and lead the parade, Joe Penhale was overjoyed.

The Doc Martin Christmas Special was written by Jack Lothian, directed by Nigel Cole. The producer is Philippa Braithwaite and the executive producer is Mark Crowdy.

Cast:
Dr Martin Ellingham – Martin Clunes
Louisa Ellingham – Caroline Catz
Bert Large – Ian Mcneice
Al Large – Joe Absolom
Morwenna Newcross – Jessica Ransom
PC Penhale – John Marquez
Janice Bone – Robyn Addison
Mrs Tishell – Selina Cadell
Leonard – Ron Cook
Ruth Ellingham – Eileen Atkins
Caitlin – Angela Curran
James Henry – Elliott Blake
Mary Elizabeth – Emily Daglish-Laine
Parent – Melanie Downs
Second Parent – Richard Hainsworth
Julie/Bevy Leader – Imogen Opie
Young Martin – Zachary Smith
Agatha Higgins – Emma Amos
Paramedic – Dan Ball
Margaret Ellingham – Claire Bloom
Delivery Man – James Care

Airdate: Sunday 25 December 2022 at 9.05pm on ITV.

Featured Image Credit: ITV