Doctors fans have expressed their fury and disappointment after the final episode of the BBC soap aired on Thursday, bringing the show to a close after more than two decades.
Last year, the BBC revealed that the long-running series, which began in 2000 would be coming to an end in 2024, leaving viewers heartbroken.
The show is about the doctors and staff at a busy Midlands GP practice, and has featured famous names including Emilia Clarke, Alison Hammond, Ruthie Henshall, Joe Pasquale, Eddie Redmayne and Sheridan Smith.Â
Its final episode, titled One Day Like This, sees GPs Jimmi Clay (Adrian Lewis Morgan), and Al Haskey (Ian Midlane) threatening to resign over the machinations of doctor Graham Elton (Alex Avery).
Meanwhile, nurse Ruhma Carter (Bharti Patel) deals with a woman going into labour who has been tied up.
Doctors fans have expressed their fury and disappointment after the final episode of the BBC soap aired on Thursday, bringing the show to a close after more than two decades
Last year, the BBC revealed that the long-running series, which began in 2000 would be coming to an end in 2024, leaving viewers heartbroken
Graham’s plans are foiled by the work of the team including Bear Sylvester (Dex Lee), Zara Carmichael (Elisabeth Dermot Walsh), and Sid Vere (Ashley Rice), and he leaves calling them ‘all pathetic’.
Zara then reveals that she ‘needs Graham’s investment’ to keep the practice going, and the staff sign on to partner so they can keep the health centre running, bringing the series to a close for the 276th episode with a happy ending.
It ends with a montage of the cast in the surgery as the video pans out above The Mill Heath Health Centre, and the final credits include the message ‘So long, and here’s to your health’.
Taking to X to lash out at the BBC over the axing, fans quipped:Â ‘Brilliant #doctors to be replaced by boring scammers programming. has made a huge mistake cancelling this little gem.’
‘So sad that today is the last ever episode of @BBCDoctors. What a terrible decision taking it off air. I really hope we see the fantastic cast on our screens again soon #Doctors #BBCDoctors.’
‘#Doctors didn’t deserve the BBC, it couldn’t keep up financially with the super heavyweight of EastEnders. Hopefully for the sake of the loyal fanbase it gets picked up by Sky, they could do with a soap.’
‘Had a lump in my throat at the end of today’s @BBCDoctors. What a devastating loss to the industry and to the soap genre #Doctors.’
‘I think it is very sad that the BBC has abandoned this series. It achieved a great deal in very short episodes and the characters were engaging and often inspiring. Good luck to all involved #Doctors.’
The episode ends with a montage of the cast in the surgery as the video pans out above The Mill Heath Health Centre
Following the emotional final episode, fans took to X to lash out at the BBC over the axing
‘I’m one of the 425 writers & I relished each of my episodes. We were equally free to tackle big issues, lift spirits & bring fun.Â
‘I once did a story based on a health injustice to an elderly friend irl. So wrong it’s going. It achieved primetime results on a tiny budget #Doctors.’
‘That was a lovely final episode for #Doctors. A dreadful, dreadful mistake for the BBC to axe it. Farewell to The Mill!’
‘#Doctors isn’t just a daytime soap. It’s one of the most creative and brilliant shows on TV, made by people with talent beyond measure. It has been a training ground for the absolute best in our industry and it’s devastating that it won’t be on anymore. Today is truly a sad day.’
‘I’m sad that the amazing show #doctors has finished. It’s been brilliant and I will miss it so much. Well done to all the cast.’
‘Brilliant final episode of #doctors. Well done to the writers, actors and crew over the years. So sad it’s had to end.’
Dex Lee wrote on Instagram saying that he ‘woke up today with a mix of sorrow and joy’ on the day of the last episode airing on Thursday.
‘It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many talented people and be part of a show that has shaped the TV industry in so many ways,’ he added.
Dex Lee wrote on Instagram saying that he ‘woke up today with a mix of sorrow and joy’ on the day of the last episode airing on Thursday
His co-star Kiruna Stamell, who plays receptionist Kirsty Millar, wrote that the show ‘featured challenging storylines, raised important issues, and challenged stereotypes’
‘Doctors will be deeply missed, and I’m proud to have been part of something so special.’
His co-star Kiruna Stamell, who plays receptionist Kirsty Millar and has dwarfism, wrote that the show ‘featured challenging storylines, raised important issues, challenged stereotypes and welcomed disability and diversity’.
She also said: ‘So sad to see it ending. Working on the show was fun, engaging, challenging and a brilliant experience.’
On X, the soap’s account posted, saying: ‘After over two decades, Doctors won’t be taking any more appointments!
‘To our incredible fans, thank you for joining us through thousands of stories, twists, and heartfelt moments. Your loyalty and love have made every step of this journey worthwhile. Thank you for watching.’
On Instagram, Sarah Moyle, who played the eccentric receptionist Valerie Pitman for around 10 years, wrote: ‘Farewell @doctorsbbc. What a time we had!!!!’
The BBC blamed the ‘tough choices’ it faces after the licence fee was frozen, as well as ‘super-inflation in drama production’ hiking up the cost of making dramas, for the long-running series being axed.
It also said its studio site needs ‘further investment’.
During its 23-year run, Doctors has kickstarted the careers of many acting favourites, including now Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (pictured on the soap in 2003)
Emilia Clarke’s first ever acting role was in a 2009 episode of Doctors called Empty Nest as Saskia Mayer before her global ‘Mother of Dragons’ status
Doctors was filmed at the Pebble Mill Studios until 2004, before relocating to BBC Drama Village, also in Birmingham.
It has been nominated for five Baftas in its history, as well as a raft of British Soap Awards.
The penultimate episode on Wednesday featured late actor Timothy West, the husband of Fawlty Towers star Prunella Scales.
West died ‘peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening’ aged 90 surrounded by his family and friends, his loved ones said on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the BBC is also airing a special Doctors, A Celebration episode, which looks back on 24 years of the programme, and had the cast take part in a Bargain Hunt episode.