Huge BBC series makes big return months after being cancelled

Doctors was cancelled last October after 23 years (Image: BBC)

Medical drama Doctors has returned to our screens just months after it was axed. The BBC daytime programme is expected to air its final episode in December 2024.

It was announced last October that the programme had been affected by "super inflation in drama production" and that it will come to an end after running for 23 years.

A BBC spokesperson said at the time: "We have taken the very difficult decision to bring daytime drama Doctors to an end after 23 years.

"With super inflation in drama production, the cost of the programme has increased significantly, and further investment is also now required to refurbish the site where the show is made, or to relocate it to another home.

function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114945&playerApiId=v114945');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114945"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

"With a flat licence-fee, the BBC’s funding challenges mean we have to make tough choices in order to deliver greater value to audiences.

READ MORE: Jermaine Jenas had the world at his feet - his self destruction is mystifying [LATEST]

Today on Doctors: Paige surprises Bear, and will Michelle pick up with an old flame? BBC One 14:00 pic.twitter.com/LXInoq60wq

— BBC Doctors (@BBCDoctors) August 26, 2024

"We remain fully committed to the West Midlands and all of the funding for Doctors will be reinvested into new programming in the region.

"We would like to thank all the Doctors cast and crew who have been involved in the show since 2000."

The show has been off-air this summer but made a return on Monday 26 August, much to the delight of long-running fans. One person tweeted: "Glad it's back - for now at least."

window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240820.min.js"

Filming has now concluded and the final episode is set to air later this year. However, one screenwriter who worked on the BBC show was less than happy with the decision for the drama to be axed.

Philip Ralph took to X, formally known as Twitter, and posted a lengthy statement saying: "Today is the last day of filming @BBCDoctors A show that has run for 24 years, employed thousands of people, produced more than 4,500 episodes, will call ‘cut’ for the final time.

"As a writer on the show for the past 19 years I’m personally impacted along with hundreds. By the disastrous decision to axe it. So, on this day when the show ceases production (though it will remain on screen until November) here is a [thread] into why I believe it matters that it’s been cancelled, who is ultimately responsible, and what comes next…”

Don't miss...
Loose Women fans all have same complaint as Liz Taylor segment sparks backlash [READ]
Linda Robson addresses Birds of a Feather feud with seven-word comment [WATCH]
This Morning host introduces new family member live on air as she admits nerves [LATEST]

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

He continued: “The loss of Doctors is clearly disastrous for those who worked on the show. It is obviously disastrous for the industry. And, I would argue, it is also disastrous for the tone of public discourse.”

Philip also mentioned the number of cast and crew who have worked on the show, who have now been heavily affected by its cancellation.

The screenwriter also touched on cuts to funding within the entertainment industry. You can read his full statement here.

Doctors is available to watch on BBc iPlayer.

Huge BBC series makes big return months after being cancelled

Huge BBC series makes big return months after being cancelled

Huge BBC series makes big return months after being cancelled

Huge BBC series makes big return months after being cancelled

Huge BBC series makes big return months after being cancelled