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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Lottie Gibbons

ITV Doc Martin Christmas special: Full cast list, plot, start date and time

Martin Clunes returns to play Doc Martin in a one-off special of ITV's long-running drama.

Following the final tenth series in October, Martin Clunes reprises the role of Dr Martin Ellingham, the grumpy GP, for one last time.

Port Isaac provides the picturesque backdrop for the festive special, with all the regular members of the cast reprising their roles. Caroline Catz plays Doc Martin’s wife, Louisa Ellingham, Dame Eileen Atkins plays Doc Martin’s Aunt Ruth. Ian McNeice is back to play Bert Large, with Joe Absolom as his son Al.

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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.

What time is Doc Martin Christmas special on?

The Christmas special will air on Sunday, December 25 at 9.05pm until 10.35pm.

Doc Martin Christmas special plot:

Portwenn is full of festive fun, until Doc Martin has the grotto closed down because he fears Santa has something contagious, upsetting the children, including his own son James (Elliott Blake). 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.

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, something she has fond memories of from when she was a child in Portwenn. PC Joe Penhale is thrilled to be asked to don his Santa suit and lead the parade.

Doc Martin full cast list:

  • 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

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