Filming starts on Doc Martin Series 8

Filming is underway on Series 8 of hit ITV comedy drama Doc Martin.

ITV has confirmed that filming has just begun on location in Port Isaac, the picturesque Cornish village which doubles as the fictional sleepy Portwenn.

All the regular members of the cast are returning to the popular series, as crews begin filming eight new episodes.

Martin Clunes reprises his role as Dr Martin Ellingham, the GP with a brusque bedside manner and a phobia of blood; with Caroline Catz playing his 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.

Martin Clunes says: "I'm thrilled to be back on the beautiful North Cornish coast to shoot Series 8 of Doc Martin. The Doc is as obstinate as ever, but he is trying his best to be a better husband and father."

Also returning to the series is Dame Eileen Atkins who plays the central character's formidable Aunt Ruth, a woman 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 as 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.

Meanwhile wedding bells are ringing for unlucky-in-love PC Joe Penhale, played by John Marquez. In the last series he popped the question to the Doc's nanny Janice Bone, played by Robyn Addison, and is now 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.

Art Malik guest stars in the new series. He plays John Rahmanzai, a visitor to Port Wenn, who surprises Ruth with information about someone from her past.

The new series of Doc Martin will be shown in the UK later this year, and then broadcast around the world.

There has been talk that the series after this, Series 9, would be the show's last, however with a series average of 9 million viewers per episode, it is likely ITV will wish to continue the show.

Found HERE at British Comedy Guide.

Tipster: David