7.7
/10
Dr. Martin Ellingham is a fictional character portrayed by Martin Clunes in the TV series Doc Martin.
In the first episode they appeared in, titled Going Bodmin (season 1), they were 42 years old.
They appear in all 79 aired episodes and have accumulated 5795 positive votes.
The character of Dr. Martin Ellingham is mainly associated with Louisa Glasson, Ruth Ellingham and Bert Large.

Dr. Martin Ellingham

by Martin Clunes

character

Episodes79

  • 7.9
    /10

    Going Bodmin

    episode S1.E1 january 2004
    Former surgeon Dr Martin Ellingham arrives in the sleepy Cornish hamlet of Portwenn, replacing the former GP who has died.
  • 7.9
    /10

    Gentlemen Prefer

    episode S1.E2 september 2004
    Martin's surgery officially opens for business, but patients continue to treat it as a drop-in cafe.
  • 7.8
    /10

    Shit Happens

    episode S1.E3 september 2004
    When an epidemic of diarrhea strikes the village the doctor takes immediate action. This, however, does not go down well with the population.
  • 7.8
    /10

    The Portwenn Effect

    episode S1.E4 september 2004
    The 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.
  • 8
    /10

    Of All the Harbours in All the Towns

    episode S1.E5 september 2004
    An 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.
  • 8.6
    /10

    Haemophobia

    episode S1.E6 october 2004
    Word 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.
  • 8
    /10

    Old Dogs

    episode S2.E1 november 2005
    Louisa'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.
  • 7.9
    /10

    In Loco

    episode S2.E2 november 2005
    When 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.
  • 7.9
    /10

    Blood Is Thicker

    episode S2.E3 november 2005
    Al discovers that Bert is not his natural father; Martin diagnoses food poisoning for a rural family with a mysterious unseen mother.
  • 8
    /10

    Aromatherapy

    episode S2.E4 december 2005
    An old man, inexplicably emanating a horrible stench, consults Doctor Ellingham; and the local radio host, Caroline, seems to have a serious drinking problem.
  • 7.8
    /10

    Always on My Mind

    episode S2.E5 december 2005
    Martin examines Helen Pratt, but she collapses and dies. Her husband, Phil, is angry with the doctor and blames him for his wife's death.
  • 8.3
    /10

    The Family Way

    episode S2.E6 december 2005
    Martin'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.
  • 7.5
    /10

    Out of the Woods

    episode S2.E7 december 2005
    PC 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.
  • 8.6
    /10

    Erotomania

    episode S2.E8 january 2006
    Season 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.
  • 7.8
    /10

    On the Edge

    episode S2.E9 december 2006
    The tranquility of Portwenn is disturbed when a group of birdwatchers descends on the village in search of a rare bird.
  • 7.8
    /10

    The Apple Doesn't Fall

    episode S3.E1 september 2007
    Martin 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.
  • 8
    /10

    Movement

    episode S3.E2 october 2007
    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.
  • 7.9
    /10

    City Slickers

    episode S3.E3 october 2007
    A 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.
  • 7.6
    /10

    The Admirer

    episode S3.E4 october 2007
    Mrs 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.
  • 8.2
    /10

    The Holly Bears a Prickle

    episode S3.E5 october 2007
    Pauline's gambling addiction finally comes to a head after an explosive confrontation in the surgery.
  • 8
    /10

    Nowt So Queer

    episode S3.E6 october 2007
    A mysterious respiratory infection breaks out in the village.
  • 7.8
    /10

    Happily Ever After

    episode S3.E7 november 2007
    On 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.
  • 8.1
    /10

    Better the Devil

    episode S4.E1 september 2009
    Life 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.
  • 8
    /10

    Uneasy Lies the Head

    episode S4.E2 september 2009
    Dr Martin Ellingham struggles to deal with Louisa's news. But Louisa is adamant she does not want Martin involved.
  • 7.9
    /10

    Perish Together as Fools

    episode S4.E3 october 2009
    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.
  • 7.9
    /10

    Driving Mr McLynn

    episode S4.E4 october 2009
    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.
  • 8
    /10

    The Departed

    episode S4.E5 october 2009
    A family sues Joan after she traps their highly troublesome child in her chicken coop, after which he develops a mysterious malaise.
  • 8
    /10

    Midwife Crisis

    episode S4.E6 october 2009
    Dr 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.
  • 8.1
    /10

    Do Not Disturb

    episode S4.E7 november 2009
    Dr 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.
  • 8.7
    /10

    The Wrong Goodbye

    episode S4.E8 november 2009
    Dr 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.
  • 8.4
    /10

    Preserve the Romance

    episode S5.E1 september 2011
    Curmudgeonly 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.
  • 8
    /10

    Dry Your Tears

    episode S5.E2 september 2011
    The GP returns to his former post at the surgery after the departure of Dr Dibbs, agreeing to stay until a replacement is found.
  • 8
    /10

    Born with a Shotgun

    episode S5.E3 september 2011
    New 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.
  • 7.8
    /10

    Mother Knows Best

    episode S5.E4 october 2011
    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.
  • 7.9
    /10

    Remember Me

    episode S5.E5 october 2011
    PC 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.
  • 7.7
    /10

    Don't Let Go

    episode S5.E6 october 2011
    Maggie 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.
  • 7.8
    /10

    Cats and Sharks

    episode S5.E7 october 2011
    Bert 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.
  • 8.4
    /10

    Ever After

    episode S5.E8 october 2011
    Mrs Tishell decides she can no longer hide her love for Martin and, fuelled by a cocktail of drugs, takes drastic action.
  • 8.3
    /10

    Sickness and Health

    episode S6.E1 october 2013
    Wedding bells are ringing for the Doc and Louisa. But will the marriage finally go ahead?
  • 7.8
    /10

    Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

    episode S6.E2 october 2013
    It 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.
  • 7.9
    /10

    The Tameness of a Wolf

    episode S6.E3 october 2013
    A 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.
  • 8.1
    /10

    Nobody Likes Me

    episode S6.E4 october 2013
    Louisa 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.
  • 7.9
    /10

    The Practice Around the Corner

    episode S6.E5 november 2013
    Mrs 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.
  • 7.8
    /10

    Hazardous Exposure

    episode S6.E6 november 2013
    Hypochondriac Malcolm Rayner is struggling with his breathing and Martin asks him if he has ever worked with asbestos.
  • 7.9
    /10

    Listen with Mother

    episode S6.E7 november 2013
    Al receives a visit from two military policemen who are trying to track down Baby James's babysitter, Mike Pruddy.
  • 8.6
    /10

    Departure

    episode S6.E8 november 2013
    Louisa 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.
  • 8
    /10

    Rescue Me

    episode S7.E1 september 2015
    Louisa 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?
  • 7.7
    /10

    The Shock of the New

    episode S7.E2 september 2015
    Louisa's return further raises questions about their relationship, perhaps they need to spend more time apart.
  • 7.9
    /10

    It's Good to Talk

    episode S7.E3 september 2015
    Following 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.
  • 8
    /10

    Education, Education, Education

    episode S7.E4 september 2015
    What starts Martin and Louisa to reconcile is how Martin handles a problem with Peter Cronk at Louisa's request.
  • 7.8
    /10

    Control-Alt-Delete

    episode S7.E5 october 2015
    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.
  • 7.8
    /10

    Other People's Children

    episode S7.E6 october 2015
    Louisa 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.
  • 8
    /10

    Facta Non Verba

    episode S7.E7 october 2015
    Louisa 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.
  • 8.2
    /10

    The Doctor Is Out

    episode S7.E8 november 2015
    Louisa worries Dr Timoney's suggestion that she and Martin aren't meant to be together might have prompted him to leave Portwenn for good.
  • 8.1
    /10

    Mysterious Ways

    episode S8.E1 september 2017
    Martin 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.
  • 7.9
    /10

    Sons and Lovers

    episode S8.E2 september 2017
    Martin 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.
  • 8.2
    /10

    Farewell My Lovely

    episode S8.E3 october 2017
    Louisa 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.
  • 8.2
    /10

    Faith

    episode S8.E4 october 2017
    Louisa'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.
  • 8.2
    /10

    From the Mouths of Babies

    episode S8.E5 october 2017
    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.
  • 8.4
    /10

    Accidental Hero

    episode S8.E6 october 2017
    Penhale 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.
  • 8.1
    /10

    Blade on the Feather

    episode S8.E7 november 2017
    Al 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.
  • 8.6
    /10

    All My Trials

    episode S8.E8 november 2017
    Martin 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.
  • 8.3
    /10

    To the Lighthouse

    episode S9.E1 september 2019
    Martin'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.
  • 8
    /10

    The Shock of the New

    episode S9.E2 october 2019
    Martin is forced to do some refresher courses, while Louisa begins a new career.
  • 8.3
    /10

    SWALK

    episode S9.E3 october 2019
    Louisa organises a special evening for Martin's birthday, but it doesn't go to plan because of Al's surprise party.
  • 8
    /10

    Paint It Black

    episode S9.E4 october 2019
    Martin has his second GMC assessment, and Buddy goes missing. Elsewhere, Penhale is upset when his predecessor, Mark Mylow, arrives and tries to take charge
  • 8
    /10

    Wild West Country

    episode S9.E5 october 2019
    Someone's been shot. Penhale is keen to work out who is responsible.
  • 8.1
    /10

    Equilibrium

    episode S9.E6 october 2019
    Martin and Louisa have their first fertility appointment, while Penhale responds to a case of vandalism and gets a free surfing lesson.
  • 8.3
    /10

    Single White Bevy

    episode S9.E7 november 2019
    Mrs Tishell's young cousin Sarah Cardy shadows her for some work experience.
  • 8.4
    /10

    Licence to Practice

    episode S9.E8 november 2019
    Wedding 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.
  • 8.1
    /10

    I Will Survive

    episode S10.E1 october 2022
    Martin questions his decision to resign and returns to Portwenn, determined to overcome his blood phobia.
  • 8.1
    /10

    One Night Only

    episode S10.E2 october 2022
    The Portwenn Surgery is open again but things aren't running as smoothly with new receptionist Max Foreman.
  • 7.6
    /10

    How Long Has This Been Going On?

    episode S10.E3 october 2022
    Morwenna 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.
  • 7.9
    /10

    Everlasting Love

    episode S10.E4 october 2023
    Martin 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.
  • 7.8
    /10

    Fly Me to the Moon

    episode S10.E5 november 2022
    To 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.
  • 7.9
    /10

    Return to Sender

    episode S10.E6 november 2022
    Doc Martin's relationship with Louisa has had its ups and downs over the years, and the married couple are tested as never before when his ex Sophie Trent makes a move.
  • 8.2
    /10

    Love Will Set You Free

    episode S10.E7 november 2022
    The 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.
  • 8.9
    /10

    Our Last Summer

    episode S10.E8 november 2022
    The 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.
  • 8.5
    /10

    Last Christmas in Portwenn

    episode S10.E9 december 2022
    Portwenn 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.

Best moments10

  • 7.9
    /10
    90% of the votes

    Everlasting Love

    episode S10.E4 october 2023
    Martin 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.
  • 8
    /10
    87% of the votes

    Facta Non Verba

    episode S7.E7 october 2015
    Louisa 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.
  • 8.6
    /10
    87% of the votes

    All My Trials

    episode S8.E8 november 2017
    Martin 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.
  • 8.2
    /10
    87% of the votes

    The Doctor Is Out

    episode S7.E8 november 2015
    Louisa worries Dr Timoney's suggestion that she and Martin aren't meant to be together might have prompted him to leave Portwenn for good.
  • 8.4
    /10
    86% of the votes

    Ever After

    episode S5.E8 october 2011
    Mrs Tishell decides she can no longer hide her love for Martin and, fuelled by a cocktail of drugs, takes drastic action.
  • 8.1
    /10
    85% of the votes

    Blade on the Feather

    episode S8.E7 november 2017
    Al 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.
  • 8.1
    /10
    85% of the votes

    I Will Survive

    episode S10.E1 october 2022
    Martin questions his decision to resign and returns to Portwenn, determined to overcome his blood phobia.
  • 8.3
    /10
    85% of the votes

    The Family Way

    episode S2.E6 december 2005
    Martin'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.
  • 8
    /10
    85% of the votes

    Education, Education, Education

    episode S7.E4 september 2015
    What starts Martin and Louisa to reconcile is how Martin handles a problem with Peter Cronk at Louisa's request.
  • 8.6
    /10
    84% of the votes

    Departure

    episode S6.E8 november 2013
    Louisa 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.

Votes per episode

169
E1
131
E2
118
E3
113
E4
31
E5
105
E6
102
E1
88
E2
79
E3
96
E4
84
E5
104
E6
22
E7
82
E8
0
E9
92
E1
82
E2
89
E3
81
E4
94
E5
82
E6
25
E7
83
E1
27
E2
77
E3
65
E4
75
E5
75
E6
77
E7
75
E8
82
E1
33
E2
70
E3
69
E4
69
E5
56
E6
57
E7
84
E8
81
E1
71
E2
64
E3
69
E4
61
E5
64
E6
33
E7
81
E8
70
E1
31
E2
75
E3
80
E4
72
E5
75
E6
79
E7
98
E8
103
E1
72
E2
26
E3
95
E4
96
E5
88
E6
99
E7
123
E8
102
E1
91
E2
78
E3
86
E4
91
E5
64
E6
100
E7
119
E8
23
E1
16
E2
14
E3
63
E4
40
E5
51
E6
47
E7
61
E8
0
E9