When obstetrician Martin Bamford learns that his wife has been unfaithful to him with all three of his best mates, he decides to leave London for a short while to clear his head and decide what to do next. He heads to the village of Port Isaac in Cornwall where he had spent some time as a boy. He's a bit of an oddity in the village and some at least suspect he may be there for no good reason. He soon makes friends and finds himself working on a fishing boat and enjoying a somewhat carefree life. Someone in the village is distributing poison pen letters of a sort with messages or photos stuck inside jellies that people find on their doorstep. Soon, some of the villagers point the finger at Martin who thinks those accusing him are daft.

Doctor Bamford has had enough of village life and is desperate for some distance from inquisitive Cornish neighbours. When the local estate agent shows him Tregunnt Farm " derelict and miles from anywhere " it's love at first sight. But the Bowden family from London also have their eye on the property with a view to developing the surrounding land into ugly holiday cottages. After being gazumped, the Doc decides to try and spook the family into leaving by pretending to be the Beast of Bodmin.

The tranquility of Portwenn is disturbed when a group of birdwatchers descends on the village in search of a rare bird. Pauline announces that she wants to go to university, so Martin has to start looking for another receptionist. Louisa's father Terry arrives unannounced in Portwenn - could this have an effect on the relationship between Martin and Louisa?

DVD extra: Outtakes and bloopers from Season 1

Season 8 Bonus Feature

Season 8 Bonus Feature

Portwenn’s grumpy GP seems determined to cast himself as the Grinch, his first move here being to disappoint the kids by snatching Santa from his grotto because he suspects him of having a contagious skin condition. And don’t get the Doc started on the dangers of displaying trees indoors. They’re a fire hazard, apparently. With all this in mind, you’d think he’d be immune to the magic of Christmas, but this series finale tries to get Martin to see the error of his ways. Rather touchingly, it must be said. And, what’s more, there’s not a National Elf Service joke in sight.

Caroline Catz takes viewers behind the scenes of Doc Martin to discover the secrets of the ITV drama’s huge success in a special documentary, Farewell Doc Martin.