Honestly, it feels like forever since we last saw Dr. Martin Ellingham scowl at a patient in Portwenn. The show wrapped up its massive ten-season run back in 2022, but if you flip through the channels today, the TV Doc Martin cast is everywhere. It’s kinda wild how one little show about a blood-phobic surgeon became such a global powerhouse.
Most people think once a show like this ends, the actors just sort of retire to the English countryside. Some did. But others? They’re taking on some of the most controversial roles on British television right now.
Martin Clunes and the Big 2026 Shift
Let’s talk about the man himself. Martin Clunes is Doc Martin. He played that role for eighteen years. That’s a long time to spend being grumpy in a suit.
But check this out: in 2026, Clunes has completely flipped the script. He’s starring in a new Channel 5 drama called Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards. He's playing the disgraced BBC newsreader. It’s a heavy, dark role that is miles away from the lighthearted medical mishaps of Cornwall. People are already buzzing about how "unrecognizable" he is compared to the Doc.
He hasn't totally abandoned the Doc Martin world, though. If you’ve seen the new American remake on Fox called Best Medicine, which just premiered in January 2026, you might have spotted a familiar face. Clunes actually guest-starred as the lead character’s father, Dr. Robert Best. It was a total "meta" moment for fans.
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What Happened to Louisa?
Caroline Catz, who played the patient (literally and figuratively) Louisa Ellingham, has been keeping busy too. She didn’t just stick to acting; she’s been doing a ton of directing and documentary work.
You’ve probably heard her voice without realizing it. She’s narrated a massive list of documentaries lately—everything from The Billionaires Who Made Our World to several high-profile true crime series. She also appeared in the 2023 mini-series A Small Light as Auguste van Pels. She’s always been one of those actors who picks really smart, understated projects.
The Large Family Legacy
Bert and Al Large were basically the heart of Portwenn. Ian McNeice (Bert) is still a legend. Even at 75, he’s active in the industry. While Bert was always failing at some new business venture—remember the restaurant? the whiskey?—Ian is doing just fine. He’s still a staple at fan conventions and has been involved in several voice-acting projects lately.
Joe Absolom, who played Al, has actually taken a bit of a "villain era" turn.
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- Emmerdale: In 2025, Joe joined the cast of the soap Emmerdale as Ray Walters.
- The Character: Ray is definitely not Al Large. He’s a dangerous guy involved in some pretty shady drug-dealing storylines.
- Silent Witness: He also popped up in Silent Witness earlier in 2026.
It’s actually kinda cool to see him move away from the "nice guy" role he played for so many years on the TV Doc Martin cast.
The Pharmacy and the Front Desk
We can’t talk about the cast without mentioning Mrs. Tishell. Selina Cadell is still close friends with Sigourney Weaver (seriously, they’ve been best friends since the 70s). Selina has stayed active in the London theater scene and occasionally pops up in British comedies. Her portrayal of the neck-brace-wearing, Martin-obsessed pharmacist remains one of the best things about the original show.
Then there’s Jessica Ransom (Morwenna). She’s arguably had one of the most diverse careers post-Doc.
- She won a Children's BAFTA for Horrible Histories.
- She’s a writer for major shows like The Amazing World of Gumball.
- She just finished a run in the play The Hypochondriac at the Sheffield Crucible.
The Aunts: Joan and Ruth
The show had two formidable aunts. Stephanie Cole (Aunt Joan) left the show years ago but is still acting at 84. She was recently in Gentleman Jack and The Cleaner.
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Dame Eileen Atkins, who played Aunt Ruth, is a literal titan of the industry. She’s a three-time Olivier Award winner. Even after Doc Martin ended, she’s been seen in The Crown as Queen Mary and continues to take on prestigious stage roles. She’s 91 now and still out-acting everyone in the room.
Why the TV Doc Martin Cast Still Matters
The reason we’re still talking about these people in 2026 isn’t just nostalgia. It’s because the casting was perfect. Every character felt like a real person you’d actually meet in a weird little fishing village.
If you’re looking to catch up with them, here’s the move:
- Watch Best Medicine on Fox to see the new "Americanized" version (Josh Charles is the new lead).
- Keep an eye out for Martin Clunes’ new drama on Channel 5 later this year.
- Follow the UK theater listings, because that’s where most of the supporting cast spends their time these days.
The show might be over, but the "Portwenn effect" is still going strong. Whether they're playing disgraced newsreaders or soap opera villains, the original cast members are still some of the hardest-working people in television.
To stay updated on the latest roles, your best bet is to follow the official British Equity listings or check out the "Where are they now" segments on ITV’s morning shows, which frequently invite the old Portwenn gang back for reunions.