BBC soap cast's emotional farewell as final episodes air after 24 years
The cast of BBC soap Doctors are feeling a mix of "sorrow and joy" as they bid farewell to the beloved show with its final episode, after an impressive run spanning over two decades. The BBC announced last year that the series, which first graced our screens in 2000, would end for good this year.
Set in a bustling Midlands GP practice, the show has been featured stars like Emilia Clarke, Alison Hammond, Ruthie Henshall, Joe Pasquale, Eddie Redmayne, and Sheridan Smith. In its swansong episode, One Day Like This, we see GPs Jimmi Clay (played by Adrian Lewis Morgan) and Al Haskey (portrayed by Ian Midlane) considering resignation amidst the schemes of Dr Graham Elton (Alex Avery), while nurse Ruhma Carter (Bharti Patel) handles a dramatic labour situation involving a woman who's been tied up.
Despite Graham's cunning plans, he's outsmarted by the team, including Bear Sylvester (Dex Lee), Zara Carmichael (Elisabeth Dermot Walsh), and Sid Vere (Ashley Rice), leading to his departure where he labels them "all pathetic". In a twist, Zara discloses her need for Graham’s investment to save the practice, prompting the staff to unite and partner up to ensure the health centre's survival.
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The show wraps up its 276th episode with a heartwarming conclusion, featuring a montage of the cast at The Mill Health Centre and ending with a poignant aerial shot as the credits roll, leaving viewers with the touching message: "So long, and here’s to your health".
Lee took to Instagram to share his bittersweet emotions, saying he "woke up today with a mix of sorrow and joy" as the final episode aired on Thursday. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with such talent, noting, "It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many talented people and be part of a show that has shaped the TV industry in so many ways," He also acknowledged the impact of 'Doctors', stating, "Doctors will be deeply missed, and I’m proud to have been part of something so special."
His co-star Kiruna Stamell, who plays receptionist Kirsty Millar and has dwarfism, praised the show for its "featured challenging storylines, raised important issues, challenged stereotypes and welcomed disability and diversity". She shared her sadness about the show's conclusion: "So sad to see it ending. Working on the show was fun, engaging, challenging and a brilliant experience."
On X, the soap’s official account posted a heartfelt goodbye: "After over two decades, Doctors won’t be taking any more appointments! " The message thanked the fans for their unwavering support: "To our incredible fans, thank you for joining us through thousands of stories, twists, and heartfelt moments. Your loyalty and love have made every step of this journey worthwhile. Thank you for watching."
Sarah Moyle, who portrayed the quirky receptionist Valerie Pitman for roughly a decade, also took to Instagram to bid adieu: "Farewell @doctorsbbc. What a time we had! ! ! ! ".
The BBC cited financial pressures for the show's cancellation, pointing to the licence fee freeze and the "super-inflation in drama production" which has increased the costs of making dramas. It also mentioned that its studio site is in need of "further investment".
The show, previously filmed at Pebble Mill Studios until 2004 before moving to Birmingham's BBC Drama Village, has seen a fair share of accolades with five Bafta nominations and numerous nods from the British Soap Awards. The series said goodbye to one of its stars in the penultimate episode featuring the late Timothy West, known for being the other half of Fawlty Towers legend Prunella Scales.
West's family confirmed he passed away "peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening" at age 90, leaving fans and colleagues mourning. In a special tribute, BBC is set to air Doctors, A Celebration on Thursday, reminiscing over 24 fantastic years and including a crossover with the cast on Bargain Hunt.
