Major BBC TV series makes big return to screens months after axe news

Doctors has returned to BBC One for its final chapter, months after it was cancelled by the broadcaster.

The long-running soap, a staple of UK afternoon TV for almost two and a half decades, wrapped production in March, with the final episode slated to air in December.

It was announced in October last year that the serial was axed by BBC One, a decision which was met with criticism from pretty much everyone given how popular the show remained with audiences.

Discussing the sad decision to end the programme, 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.

‘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.

‘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.’

Doctors took its annual summer break earlier this year, with the latest series of Hope Street airing during its absence, but it’s back for its last batch of episodes as of today (Monday, August 26).

Fans were delighted to learn that Doctors was back on air, with Katharine writing: ‘Will be watching at 2 so glad it is back’

A number of cast members have paid tribute to Doctors in the wake of the news of its cancellation, including Ian Midlane who plays Al Haskey.

‘‘[I’m] So ridiculously, embarrassingly proud to have played Al for over eleven years on the most lovely and life changing of jobs,’ he wrote on Twitter, with a picture of Al’s signature glasses.

‘My heart is full of love for the people of that show and the joyful, creative environment we forged and worked our butts off in…….’

‘It will never be the same again. But we walk on with hope in our hearts and smiles on our cheeks. The proudest boast in TV today is ………I worked on Doctors. @BBCDoctors.’

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