Bert Large is a fictional character portrayed by Ian McNeice in the TV series Doc Martin.
In the first episode they appeared in, titled Going Bodmin (season 1), they were 53 years old.
They appear in 78 episodes out of a total of 79 aired and have accumulated 118 positive votes.
The character of Bert Large is mainly associated with Dr. Martin Ellingham, Al Large and Ruth Ellingham.
Episodes78
Going Bodmin
episode S1.E1 january 2004Former surgeon Dr Martin Ellingham arrives in the sleepy Cornish hamlet of Portwenn, replacing the former GP who has died.
Gentlemen Prefer
episode S1.E2 september 2004Martin's surgery officially opens for business, but patients continue to treat it as a drop-in cafe.
Shit Happens
episode S1.E3 september 2004When an epidemic of diarrhea strikes the village the doctor takes immediate action. This, however, does not go down well with the population.
The Portwenn Effect
episode S1.E4 september 2004The doctor pays a visit to the forester, who apparently shares his shack with a giant squirrel. Little Peter Cronk gets into trouble over some nest boxes.
Of All the Harbours in All the Towns
episode S1.E5 september 2004An old friend of Aunt Joan's turns up, stirring up old memories. In the meanwhile both Doc Martin and Elaine are struggling with other people's affections.
Haemophobia
episode S1.E6 october 2004Word is getting out in the village about the doctor's 'little problem' with blood. When Peter Cronk is hurt concern about him brings Martin and Louisa closer together.
Old Dogs
episode S2.E1 november 2005Louisa's old flame, Danny Steel, comes to Portwenn hoping to rekindle their romance. He is furious with Martin for interfering with his mother's move to a nursing home.
In Loco
episode S2.E2 november 2005When his mother has to go to hospital, Peter Cronk needs a place to stay. The doctor isn't too keen, but Louise is busy with her candidature for headmistress.
Blood Is Thicker
episode S2.E3 november 2005Al discovers that Bert is not his natural father; Martin diagnoses food poisoning for a rural family with a mysterious unseen mother.
Aromatherapy
episode S2.E4 december 2005An old man, inexplicably emanating a horrible stench, consults Doctor Ellingham; and the local radio host, Caroline, seems to have a serious drinking problem.
Always on My Mind
episode S2.E5 december 2005Martin examines Helen Pratt, but she collapses and dies. Her husband, Phil, is angry with the doctor and blames him for his wife's death.
The Family Way
episode S2.E6 december 2005Martin's cold and difficult parents come to stay with him. He hasn't seen them for seven years, and is puzzled as to why they should turn up out of the blue.
Out of the Woods
episode S2.E7 december 2005PC Mark Mylow plans to spend his stag night sleeping rough in the woods with Al Large, but gets bitten by an adder. The doctor doesn't have a clue where they are and his only hope lies with the area's park ranger - Stewart.
Erotomania
episode S2.E8 january 2006Season Finale. A Salvation Army member arrives in Portwenn to try to trace a missing woman, Danny asks reluctant girlfriend Louisa to move in with him, and PC Mark Mylow's medical check has a shock result.
On the Edge
episode S2.E9 december 2006The tranquility of Portwenn is disturbed when a group of birdwatchers descends on the village in search of a rare bird.
The Apple Doesn't Fall
episode S3.E1 september 2007Martin suspects Louisa may have anaemia. Aunt Joan is forced to receive treatment from Martin after nearly running someone over. The Doc is approached by Alison Lane, who worries about her daughter Delph's behaviour.
Movement
episode S3.E2 october 2007Bert Large abandons his plumbing business in favour of running a restaurant. Following the restaurant's opening, several cases of food poisoning occur with Louisa being one of the people affected.
City Slickers
episode S3.E3 october 2007A couple and their son move in next door to Louisa causing problems for her, Martin and the local people. Residents also begin to discover something unusual about PC Penhale.
The Admirer
episode S3.E4 october 2007Mrs Wilson, the hypochondriac owner of the Wilson hotel, forces her attentions on a very indifferent Martin, which makes Louisa jealous anyway. Joan dates a much younger man than her, much to Martin's surprise.
The Holly Bears a Prickle
episode S3.E5 october 2007Pauline's gambling addiction finally comes to a head after an explosive confrontation in the surgery.
Nowt So Queer
episode S3.E6 october 2007A mysterious respiratory infection breaks out in the village.
Happily Ever After
episode S3.E7 november 2007On the day of their wedding, Louisa's bridesmaid is hit in the eye with a party popper; the local florist gets arrested and his shop shuttered.
Better the Devil
episode S4.E1 september 2009Life in the beautiful Cornish village of Portwenn has become ever more infuriating for Dr. Martin Ellingham since his and Louisa's heart-wrenching decision to call off their wedding.
Uneasy Lies the Head
episode S4.E2 september 2009Dr Martin Ellingham struggles to deal with Louisa's news. But Louisa is adamant she does not want Martin involved.
Perish Together as Fools
episode S4.E3 october 2009Dr Martin Ellingham is shocked to find Louisa and Aunt Joan knocking at his door before the Surgery has opened. Louisa has had a medical scare and wants Martin's reassurance that everything is fine.
Driving Mr McLynn
episode S4.E4 october 2009Dr Martin Ellingham is called to Louisa's new home after she has a dizzy spell while shifting furniture. Martin urges her to slow down, but is shocked to learn that Louisa has applied to be her school's headteacher again.
The Departed
episode S4.E5 october 2009A family sues Joan after she traps their highly troublesome child in her chicken coop, after which he develops a mysterious malaise.
Midwife Crisis
episode S4.E6 october 2009Dr Martin Ellingham meets Portwenn's new midwife, Molly, who will be looking after Louisa. Martin is dismissive of her profession, and the two of them do not hit it off.
Do Not Disturb
episode S4.E7 november 2009Dr Martin Ellingham seeks out Louisa to talk about his new surgeon's job in London, but they are interrupted by Bert, who wants to plan a baby shower for Louisa.
The Wrong Goodbye
episode S4.E8 november 2009Dr Martin Ellingham and Pauline are surprised by the number of patients coming to see him on the last day before his Surgery closes and he moves to London.
Preserve the Romance
episode S5.E1 september 2011Curmudgeonly Martin Ellingham's plans to resume his career as a consultant in London are put on hold with the birth of the son he fathered with his now estranged partner, Louisa Glasson.
Dry Your Tears
episode S5.E2 september 2011The GP returns to his former post at the surgery after the departure of Dr Dibbs, agreeing to stay until a replacement is found.
Born with a Shotgun
episode S5.E3 september 2011New receptionist Morwenna Newcross gets off to a bad start after arriving late on her first day, and her hyperactive behaviour leads Martin to believe she is high on drugs.
Mother Knows Best
episode S5.E4 october 2011Louisa's hippie mother Eleanor arrives in the village, immediately taking over Martin's kitchen to prepare a herbal tonic, which she later gives to the baby to stop his crying.
Remember Me
episode S5.E5 october 2011PC Penhale is shocked by the unexpected arrival of his ex-wife Maggie, who appears to have forgotten that they separated years ago and wants to know why he left her.
Don't Let Go
episode S5.E6 october 2011Maggie gets the all-clear from the doctor and decides she will return to Bude, forcing PC Penhale to take desperate measures to persuade her to stay in Portwenn.
Cats and Sharks
episode S5.E7 october 2011Bert Large's restaurant business is in financial trouble. He can't even afford the food and drink for a charity event to raise money for Florence Dingle's cat sanctuary.
Ever After
episode S5.E8 october 2011Mrs Tishell decides she can no longer hide her love for Martin and, fuelled by a cocktail of drugs, takes drastic action.
Sickness and Health
episode S6.E1 october 2013Wedding bells are ringing for the Doc and Louisa. But will the marriage finally go ahead?
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
episode S6.E2 october 2013It is Louisa's first day back at school and their new child minder, Mel, is late for work. When Mel finally does arrive Martin is dubious about handing James over to this woman who is constantly scratching.
The Tameness of a Wolf
episode S6.E3 october 2013A stranger stops dead in his tracks when he sees Ruth in the village, and later he spies on her when she is having a coffee with Caroline. Ruth is not sure why, but she starts feeling uneasy.
Nobody Likes Me
episode S6.E4 october 2013Louisa wants Martin to engage more with James, so she arranges for him to take their baby to playgroup, where he has to pair up with a mother and daughter and sing songs.
The Practice Around the Corner
episode S6.E5 november 2013Mrs Tishell returns to the village. Martin has to work out what is wrong with beach comber Lorna. Al and Morwenna have an internet dating disaster, and romance is blossoming for Bert and Jennifer.
Hazardous Exposure
episode S6.E6 november 2013Hypochondriac Malcolm Rayner is struggling with his breathing and Martin asks him if he has ever worked with asbestos.
Listen with Mother
episode S6.E7 november 2013Al receives a visit from two military policemen who are trying to track down Baby James's babysitter, Mike Pruddy.
Departure
episode S6.E8 november 2013Louisa is leaving for Spain, Bert and Jennifer's engagement party goes off with a bang, and Al is hailed as a hero for saving Caroline's life.
Rescue Me
episode S7.E1 september 2015Louisa has gone for a break to visit her mother in Spain and to have some time to think. Martin is faced with the questions: will Louisa come back to him; and what can he do to make sure that she does?
The Shock of the New
episode S7.E2 september 2015Louisa's return further raises questions about their relationship, perhaps they need to spend more time apart.
It's Good to Talk
episode S7.E3 september 2015Following another disaster at his restaurant Bert takes drastic action and disappears, leading Al to contact P.C. Penhale, though he is more interested in courting Louisa's baby-sitter Janice.
Education, Education, Education
episode S7.E4 september 2015What starts Martin and Louisa to reconcile is how Martin handles a problem with Peter Cronk at Louisa's request.
Control-Alt-Delete
episode S7.E5 october 2015Reaching breaking point with being followed around by Buddy, Martin resolves to find a vet to have the dog put down once and for all.
Other People's Children
episode S7.E6 october 2015Louisa helps out her ex-boyfriend Danny when he brings seven children from London to camp on Ruth's farm - supervised by Al and Bert - while she and Martin plan a date on the advice of Dr Timoney.
Facta Non Verba
episode S7.E7 october 2015Louisa is not best pleased when her new art teacher Erica wants to try out some rather alternative ideas on the children, while Dr Timoney is involved in a car accident outside the school.
The Doctor Is Out
episode S7.E8 november 2015Louisa worries Dr Timoney's suggestion that she and Martin aren't meant to be together might have prompted him to leave Portwenn for good.
Mysterious Ways
episode S8.E1 september 2017Martin and Louisa face the challenge of living happily together with their baby James Henry after having therapy to save their marriage. Meanwhile wedding bells ring for PC Penhale.
Sons and Lovers
episode S8.E2 september 2017Martin and Louisa search for a nursery for James and Mrs Tishell is shocked to find that Al has high blood pressure. Louisa explores possibilities of a career change, not welcome news for Martin who dislikes change of any kind.
Farewell My Lovely
episode S8.E3 october 2017Louisa takes her students sailing so Martin is left holding the baby. He's always late collecting James from nursery due to long surgery hours. Meanwhile, Al and Morwenna organise an event to save the pub.
Faith
episode S8.E4 october 2017Louisa's first Skype call for her new course doesn't go as planned when Martin decides to tell the lecturer his thoughts on the coursework. Morwenna's parents surprise her with a visit from Kenya.
From the Mouths of Babies
episode S8.E5 october 2017With James teething, Martin and Louisa are desperate for more sleep. In an unusual display of mourning, Mrs. Tishell closes the pharmacy, inconveniencing everyone. Al needs Bert's help to get the whisky business back on track.
Accidental Hero
episode S8.E6 october 2017Penhale decides to have a police open house to raise community awareness, but the turnout is not what he hoped for. James goes through a biting phase, and Morwenna leaves the surgery for a weekend away with Al.
Blade on the Feather
episode S8.E7 november 2017Al and Morwenna participate in the annual gig race against another town. Louisa buys a new car, and Martin's blood phobia causes a disaster with a patient.
All My Trials
episode S8.E8 november 2017Martin stops practicing the week before his hearing, but patients continue to solicit his advice. An American tourist asks Mrs. Tishell for help, and Penhale commissions a bust of himself.
To the Lighthouse
episode S9.E1 september 2019Martin's medical career remains under scrutiny, as a GMC representative has come to assess him and his surgery. Meanwhile, Al accidentally proposes to Morwenna, and Mrs Tishell has a new lease on life.
The Shock of the New
episode S9.E2 october 2019Martin is forced to do some refresher courses, while Louisa begins a new career.
SWALK
episode S9.E3 october 2019Louisa organises a special evening for Martin's birthday, but it doesn't go to plan because of Al's surprise party.
Paint It Black
episode S9.E4 october 2019Martin has his second GMC assessment, and Buddy goes missing. Elsewhere, Penhale is upset when his predecessor, Mark Mylow, arrives and tries to take charge
Wild West Country
episode S9.E5 october 2019Someone's been shot. Penhale is keen to work out who is responsible.
Equilibrium
episode S9.E6 october 2019Martin and Louisa have their first fertility appointment, while Penhale responds to a case of vandalism and gets a free surfing lesson.
Single White Bevy
episode S9.E7 november 2019Mrs Tishell's young cousin Sarah Cardy shadows her for some work experience.
Licence to Practice
episode S9.E8 november 2019Wedding bells are ringing in Portwenn with the preparations for Morwenna and Al's wedding. But some last minute hitches threaten to jeopardize their big day.
I Will Survive
episode S10.E1 october 2022Martin questions his decision to resign and returns to Portwenn, determined to overcome his blood phobia.
One Night Only
episode S10.E2 october 2022The Portwenn Surgery is open again but things aren't running as smoothly with new receptionist Max Foreman.
How Long Has This Been Going On?
episode S10.E3 october 2022Morwenna is back as receptionist and the Ellinghams have a new dog. Martin attends Stewart's survival course, but not as a participant like Al and Penhale.
Everlasting Love
episode S10.E4 october 2023Martin rubs up against the new herbalist and Penhale, Louisa, and James are all interested in Janice's new pedicure fish. Ruth is back from Mexico with more than maracas.
Fly Me to the Moon
episode S10.E5 november 2022To say Louisa Ellingham is stunned to find her estranged father in her kitchen making a cup of tea is an understatement. The child counsellor hasn't seen dad in years and, given his dodgy past, she's worried about his return to Portwenn.
Love Will Set You Free
episode S10.E7 november 2022The news of Martin's Imperial College job offer is flying through the village, but the Ellinghams are yet to make a decision - meanwhile, Caitlin blames Bert for the pub flood.
Our Last Summer
episode S10.E8 november 2022The village are throwing the Ellinghams a farewell party - Ruth is helping Mrs Tishell deal with the news, but it seems that Martin and Louisa aren't going to make it to the party.
Last Christmas in Portwenn
episode S10.E9 december 2022Portwenn is full of festive cheer - until Doc Martin cancels the Santa, prompting his portrayer to show "Doc the Grinch" the magic of Christmas, with unintended consequences.
- Going Bodmin
- Gentlemen Prefer
- Shit Happens
- The Portwenn Effect
- Of All the Harbours in All the Towns
- Haemophobia
- Old Dogs
- In Loco
- Blood Is Thicker
- Aromatherapy
- Always on My Mind
- The Family Way
- Out of the Woods
- Erotomania
- On the Edge
- The Apple Doesn't Fall
- Movement
- City Slickers
- The Admirer
- The Holly Bears a Prickle
- Nowt So Queer
- Happily Ever After
- Better the Devil
- Uneasy Lies the Head
- Perish Together as Fools
- Driving Mr McLynn
- The Departed
- Midwife Crisis
- Do Not Disturb
- The Wrong Goodbye
- Preserve the Romance
- Dry Your Tears
- Born with a Shotgun
- Mother Knows Best
- Remember Me
- Don't Let Go
- Cats and Sharks
- Ever After
- Sickness and Health
- Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
- The Tameness of a Wolf
- Nobody Likes Me
- The Practice Around the Corner
- Hazardous Exposure
- Listen with Mother
- Departure
- Rescue Me
- The Shock of the New
- It's Good to Talk
- Education, Education, Education
- Control-Alt-Delete
- Other People's Children
- Facta Non Verba
- The Doctor Is Out
- Mysterious Ways
- Sons and Lovers
- Farewell My Lovely
- Faith
- From the Mouths of Babies
- Accidental Hero
- Blade on the Feather
- All My Trials
- To the Lighthouse
- The Shock of the New
- SWALK
- Paint It Black
- Wild West Country
- Equilibrium
- Single White Bevy
- Licence to Practice
- I Will Survive
- One Night Only
- How Long Has This Been Going On?
- Everlasting Love
- Fly Me to the Moon
- Love Will Set You Free
- Our Last Summer
- Last Christmas in Portwenn
Best moments10
- Al discovers that Bert is not his natural father; Martin diagnoses food poisoning for a rural family with a mysterious unseen mother.
- Bert Large abandons his plumbing business in favour of running a restaurant. Following the restaurant's opening, several cases of food poisoning occur with Louisa being one of the people affected.
- Reaching breaking point with being followed around by Buddy, Martin resolves to find a vet to have the dog put down once and for all.
- Dr Martin Ellingham is called to Louisa's new home after she has a dizzy spell while shifting furniture. Martin urges her to slow down, but is shocked to learn that Louisa has applied to be her school's headteacher again.
- Louisa's hippie mother Eleanor arrives in the village, immediately taking over Martin's kitchen to prepare a herbal tonic, which she later gives to the baby to stop his crying.
- Former surgeon Dr Martin Ellingham arrives in the sleepy Cornish hamlet of Portwenn, replacing the former GP who has died.
- Martin questions his decision to resign and returns to Portwenn, determined to overcome his blood phobia.
- Dr Martin Ellingham is shocked to find Louisa and Aunt Joan knocking at his door before the Surgery has opened. Louisa has had a medical scare and wants Martin's reassurance that everything is fine.
- With James teething, Martin and Louisa are desperate for more sleep. In an unusual display of mourning, Mrs. Tishell closes the pharmacy, inconveniencing everyone. Al needs Bert's help to get the whisky business back on track.
- When an epidemic of diarrhea strikes the village the doctor takes immediate action. This, however, does not go down well with the population.
- Blood Is Thicker
- Movement
- Control-Alt-Delete
- Driving Mr McLynn
- Mother Knows Best
- Going Bodmin
- I Will Survive
- Perish Together as Fools
- From the Mouths of Babies
- Shit Happens