BBC series RETURNS with final episodes months after being dropped from TV schedule – as heartbroken viewers brand the broadcasting giant ‘cruel’ for wielding the axe
The aborted BBC series Doctors returned to TV on Monday after being off air for months.
The legendary medical drama returns to the BBC schedule this holiday, but viewers are bracing for the worst.
Doctors went on hiatus earlier this summer, airing the first of its final episodes ahead of its 23-year series finale in December.
Viewers watched as Paige surprised Bear, while questions remained over whether Michelle would ever get back together with her old flame.
Fans rushed to X – formerly known as Twitter – to claim it was “cruel” of the BBC to revive the series after a long hiatus, only to then ax it.
The aborted BBC series Doctors returned to TV screens on Monday after being off air for months
Doctors had taken its usual hiatus earlier this summer, airing the first of its final series of shows, ahead of its final episode in December after 23 years
They wrote: ‘It seems cruel to restart the series after such a long break and then end it so quickly; As long as you stayed tuned; Yay!!!!! About time… Missed it’.
“I really can’t wait. It’s been way too long. I’m still devastated that the wonderful Doctors will soon be ending for good.”
“Why does it have to stop? It’s so loved by people, and it’s much more entertaining than a cooking show or a sports show.”
The BBC is ending the programme Doctors after 23 years due to declining viewing figures and rising costs.
The cast and crew of the iconic soap were reportedly called into a meeting with the network’s bosses in October last year, where they were told the tragic news after an attempt to move the show to primetime failed to attract an audience.
The BBC announced the news in a statement: ‘We have taken the very difficult decision to end the daytime programme Doctors after 23 years.
‘Due to the huge inflation in drama production, the cost of the programme has increased significantly and further investment is now required to refurbish the venue where the show is made or to move the show to another location.
‘The BBC’s fixed licence fee means that financial challenges mean we have to make difficult choices to deliver better value for money to audiences.
Fans rushed to X – formerly known as Twitter – it is ‘cruel’ of the BBC to bring back the series after a long hiatus, only to then cancel it
‘We remain fully committed to the West Midlands and all funding for doctors is reinvested in new programming in the region.
‘We would like to thank all the Doctors actors and crew who have been involved with the show since 2000.
‘We know that physicians play a critical role in nurturing talent, which is why we are working to develop new capabilities to support script programming skills.
‘The final episode will air in December 2024 and we are working closely with BBC Studios to give the series the finale it deserves.’
Doctors first debuted during the famous lunch hour in 2000.
Cast and crew were overjoyed in February 2022 when bosses promoted the series to a primetime slot on BBC Two, after axing Holby City.
However, viewing figures did not improve and after just eight weeks the soap was broadcast again on its usual lunchtime schedule.
The cost of living crisis and ‘drama production superinflation’ have forced BBC executives to make major cuts to their flagship series.
The channel is struggling to keep pace with the big-budget dramas of emerging streaming services, and has also decided to freeze its licensing fees for two years.
During its 23-year run, Doctors kick-started the careers of many favourite actors, including current Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (pictured in the soap in 2003)
Emilia Clarke’s very first acting role was in a 2009 episode of Doctors called Empty Nest as Saskia Mayer before she achieved worldwide status as ‘Mother of Dragons’
This also applies to the Saturday series Casualty, the usual number of episodes of which will be shortened.
Set in the fictional town of Letherbridge in the West Midlands, Doctors follows the staff of an NHS doctors’ practice and a university clinic, as well as their personal lives.
The series was commissioned for only 41 episodes when it premiered, but was turned into a soap opera after its positive reception.
In 2022, Doctors attracted an average of 1.6 million viewers per year during its live daytime broadcasts.
The soap’s longest-serving cast member is Adrian Lewis Morgan, who joined the series in 2005 as Jimmi Clay.
Doctors was also known for involving hundreds of extras and guest stars each year.
Big names who have appeared in the soap include Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Denise Welch, Jodie Comer and Eddie Redmayne.