Martin Clunes passes the Doc Martin torch in rare appearance with wife Philippa


Martin guest stars in the latest episode of the US medical drama, Best Medicine, which is a spin-off of ITV's hit show, Doc Martin


Philippa Braithwaite and Martin Clunes attend The Tusk Conservation Awards 2023© Getty
Nicky Morris
Nicky MorrisActing TV and Film Editor
March 5, 2026
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Martin Clunes was pictured beaming alongside his wife Philippa Braithwaite on the set of the US medical drama, Best Medicine.

The series is an adaptation of ITV's hit drama Doc Martin, in which Martin starred for 18 years and his wife, Philippa, produced. 

Best Medicine stars Josh Charles (The Good Wife) as Dr. Martin Best, a talented surgeon who leaves his successful career in Boston to work in a quaint East Coast fishing village where he spent summers as a child with his Aunt Sarah.

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Martin guest stars in the series as Josh's on-screen father, Robert Best, while his wife Philippa is a producer on the show. 

WATCH: Martin Clunes at Wuthering Heights Premiere

Actress Abigail Spencer, who plays local schoolteacher Louisa Gavin in the drama, took to Instagram with a series of behind-the-scenes photos from the latest episode, in which Martin guest stars. 

Martin Clunes hit with sad news as Doc Martin comeback confirmed© ITV
The new US drama is an adaptation of Doc Martin

"How lucky are we?," she penned, alongside a carousel of snaps, including one of her with Josh, Martin and Philippa. "Tonight on #BestMedicineFOX with the OG," she continued.

"What a thrill to have #MartinClunes as @mrjoshcharles Doctor Best's father Robert Best. A total delight. And Philippa too! To pass the #DocMartin torch. Tonight on @foxtv & tomorrow on @hulu."

What is Best Medicine about? 

Much like the original series, Best Medicine follows a cantankerous but brilliant surgeon who leaves his high-flying city job to become the general practitioner of a quaint fishing village. 

Upon his arrival, Martin meets an eclectic group of townspeople, including schoolteacher Louisa Gavin (Spencer), Sheriff Mark Mylow (Josh Segarra) and his assistant Elaine Denton (Cree).

Josh Charles in the "Bean There, Done That" episode of BEST MEDICINE airing Tuesday, Jan 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (Photo by FOX via Getty Images)© FOX via Getty Images
Josh Charles stars in the medical drama

But Martin's blunt, no-nonsense bedside manner soon alienates the quirky locals.

The synopsis continues: "While he can expertly diagnose any medical mystery, he struggles with a debilitating new phobia and childhood trauma that make intimacy difficult. In a town defined by tenacity and heart, the very people Martin pushes away may ultimately be exactly what he needs."

The series, which airs on FOX in the US, has already been renewed for a second season. It's not yet known if the show will air in the UK. 

Martin's busy schedule

Martin's cameo in Best Medicine comes amid a busy time for the star.

He's currently on the big screen, starring alongside Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Cathy's cruel father, Mr. Earnshaw, in Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights.

Martin Clunes posing solo at the premiere of Wuthering Heights in London© Getty Images for Warner Bros.
Martin portrays Mr Earnshaw, the father of Margot Robbie's Cathy Earnshaw

Martin also leads the cast of the new comedy-drama film, Mother's Pride, which arrives in cinemas on 6 March, as the owner of a struggling West Country pub.

Gabriella Wilde, who also stars in the film, revealed that Martin was particularly playful on set during an exclusive interview with HELLO!. "He's lovely," she said. "It was a funny set to be on. A lot of laughing and corpsing mid-scene. He was particularly proud of that. It's so nice to see someone who's such a legend be playful and light in that way."

man sitting in tv studio© Matt Towers / 5 Broadcasting Limited / Paramount / Wonderhood Studios
Martin Clunes as Huw Edwards

The Doc Martin star is also set to play the disgraced BBC News presenter Huw Edwards in Channel 5's upcoming factual drama Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards. The series explores how a vulnerable 17-year-old was groomed by one of the most powerful figures in television.

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