Martin Clunes breaks down in tears as Doc Martin airs last ever series after 18 years

MARTIN Clunes has revealed he broke down in floods of tears as Doc Martin comes to an end after 18 years.

The hit ITV medical comedy-drama has been on air since 2004 but will come to an end when the current series finishes up.

Clunes, 60, has starred as local doctor Martin Ellingham who has a severe phobia of blood and his lack of social skills.

The show has been a roaring success, amassing millions of viewers and being aired in over 100 countries.

Speaking about the series coming to an end, Martin said it was a “bittersweet” moment which left him and his co-stars “in tears” once the final scene was filmed.

“Filming the ­final scenes was very much a bitter-sweet experience for me,” he told The Mirror.

“On set, we were all in tears towards the end.

“When we started shooting back in February, we were so busy I didn’t have time to dwell on this series being the last. I think I was in a kind of numb denial.”

Martin’s wife, Philippa Braithwaite is involved in the programme as a producer.

The star went on to say how the crew and their families are linked with the show, with their children – including Martin’s daughter Emily – attending local nurseries and holidaying in the area.

“I’ve spent so much of my life down here – we all have,” he said.

“Doc Martin aside, we’ve had real-life marriages here, babies being born, our kids going to local nurseries and spending their school holidays here.

“My daughter Emily, who’s now 23, came down for a visit and when she was ­driving away, she said she was in tears because she was thinking it was the last time she’d do that.”

He added: “I hadn’t realised the impact it would have on her and I felt quite guilty about it.”

Series 10 of Doc Martin kicked off last last week on ITV and continues this Wednesday at 9pm on ITV and ITV Hub.