final call
First look at Doc Martin as Martin Clunes returns to ITV – but there’s a brutal twist
DOC Martin fans have been treated to the first look at Martin Clunes back in the titular role, just weeks after the show came to an end.
The ITV drama aired it's final episode at the end of October after 18 years, with the Doc deciding to stay in Portwenn rather than move to London after all.
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Fans were gutted that the show was over, but have been granted a reprieve as the cast return for another episode this Christmas.
Sadly, their joy will be short lived, as the festive episode is a one-off, with no plans to make any further series once it's aired.
Despite this, the first look trailer will still get many excited, as the seaside town is full of festive fun.
That is until the grumpy GP - played by Martin - has the grotto closed down because he fears Santa has something contagious, upsetting the children, including his own son James (Elliott Blake).
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While awaiting the results of the tests to find out why Leonard(Santa, played by Ron Cook) is so itchy the Doc tells him he cannot be Santa until they have the diagnosis.
Leonard is determined to show the Doc the magic of Christmas, and tries to deliver the Ellingham’s Christmas presents down the chimney.
Martin is furious, and remonstrates with Leonard for putting himself at risk on the roof of their house, unaware James has witnessed it all.
James decides to run away to find Santa, but Ruth bumps into him and persuades him to have breakfast, given the journey to the North Pole is a long one.
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To try to make up for James’ disappointment at not meeting Santa, Louisa decides, with the help of the village, to arrange a lantern parade, led by Santa, something she has fond memories of from when she was a child in Portwenn.
Meanwhile PC Joe Penhale’s romantic attempt to woo Janice by showering her with gifts backfires when she thinks she is being stalked.
Martin is called out to see Leonard (Santa) who has had an accident, and as he is anaemic he cannot afford to lose any blood.
As Martin is driving to Leonard’s house the weather is getting worse and he has an accident, which causes him to hallucinate about his mother (Claire Bloom), prompting some of his own parenting concerns.
Eventually making it to Leonard’s house and recovering from the cold, he treats Leonard. Leonard confides in Martin about the death of his wife and why he celebrates Christmas. He challenges Martin to do the same.
But will they make it back to the village in time for the Christmas parade Louisa has organised?
The Doc Martin Christmas special will air on ITV1 on Christmas Day at 9.05 pm,
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