Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes) used to be a successful London surgeon until he developed a phobia of blood. He retrains as a GP and manages to find a practice in the sleepy Cornish village of Portwenn.
Although he's an excellent doctor, his total lack of interpersonal skills makes it difficult for him to deal effectively with patients.
He gets some support from his Aunt Joan (Stephanie Cole) and develops a fondness for local schoolteacher Louisa Glasson (Caroline Catz).
Other main characters include: plumber/restauranteur Bert Large (Ian McNeice); his son Al (Joe Absolom); receptionist Elaine Denham (Lucy Punch) and her replacement Pauline Lamb (Katherine Parkinson).
The programme was filmed in the real Cornish village of Port Isaac.
The producer of the show, Philippa Braithwaithe, is married to Martin Clunes.
Series 6 will be made and transmitted in 2013.
Series: 5
Episodes: 38
Transmitted: 2004-2009
Channel: ITV1
ITV
Buffalo Pictures
Homerun Productions