Doc Martin filming eighth season in Cornwall

Filming of Doc Martin‘s penultimate series is underway in Port Isaac, Cornwall.

Martin Clunes returns as grumpy medic Dr. Martin Ellingham, for eight new episodes.

All regular members are returning, with Art Malik to guest star as John Rahmanzai, a visitor to Port Wenn, who surprises Ruth with information about someone from her past.

Martin Clunes says: “I’m thrilled to be back on the beautiful North Cornish coast to shoot series eight of Doc Martin. The Doc is as obstinate as ever, but he is trying his best to be a better husband and father.”

No word on any more from Sigourney Weaver, however.

“She wants to come back and fight me,” Clunes recently told TV Tonight. “But it is down to her availability.”

The series is set to end with season 9 in 2018.

Caroline Catz plays Doc Martin’s wife and local school headmistress, Louisa Ellingham.

After having therapy to save their marriage in the last series, they face the challenge of living happily together with their baby James Henry

Returning to the series, Dame Eileen Atkins plays Doc Martin’s formidable Aunt Ruth, who is beginning to doubt the wisdom of going into business with Bert Large and his son Al.

Ian McNeice is back to play Bert Large, with Joe Absolom son Al. Bert is desperate to make his home distilled whisky a success, but there’s a shortage of customers willing to buy. Meanwhile guests are not exactly flocking to Al’s bed and breakfast, and he fears he will have to close the doors for good.

Wedding bells are ringing for unlucky in love PC Joe Penhale , played by John Marquez.

He popped the question to the Doc’s nanny Janice Bone, played by Robyn Addison, in the last series and is looking forward to marital bliss. Will the course of true love run smoothly at last for Portwenn’s police officer?

There’s romance too for the doctor’s receptionist, Morwenna Newcross, played by Jessica Ransom. Morwenna and Al have become an item. But there’s devastating news for Morwenna when her parents Jack and Tara Newcross return to Portwenn unexpectedly.

Selina Cadell returns as pharmacist Mrs Tishell, whose husband Clive, played by Malcolm Storry, is keen for her to join him on his keep fit regime.