The cast of Doctors expressed "sorrow and joy" as the final episode of the BBC soap aired, bringing the show to a close after more than two decades.
Last year, the BBC announced that the long-running series, which began in 2000, would come to an end in 2024. The show, centred around the doctors and staff at a busy Midlands GP practice, featured famous names including Emilia Clarke, Alison Hammond, Ruthie Henshall, Joe Pasquale, Eddie Redmayne, and Sheridan Smith.
Its final episode, titled One Day Like This, saw GPs Jimmi Clay (Adrian Lewis Morgan) and Al Haskey (Ian Midlane) threaten to resign over the machinations of Dr Graham Elton (Alex Avery), as nurse Ruhma Carter (Bharti Patel) dealt with a woman going into labour who had been tied up.
Graham's plans were foiled by the efforts of the team, including Bear Sylvester (Dex Lee), Zara Carmichael (Elisabeth Dermot Walsh), and Sid Vere (Ashley Rice), and he left, calling them "all pathetic."
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Zara then revealed that she "needed Graham’s investment" to keep the practice running. In a final resolution, the staff signed on as partners to keep the health centre open, bringing the series to a close with a happy ending for its 276th episode.
The episode concluded with a montage of the cast in the surgery as the camera panned out above The Mill Heath Health Centre. The final credits included the message, "So long, and here’s to your health."
On Instagram, Lee wrote that he "woke up with a mix of sorrow and joy" on the day of the last episode’s 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. "Doctors will be deeply missed, and I’m proud to have been part of something so special."
His co-star Kiruna Stamell, who played receptionist Kirsty Millar and has dwarfism, reflected that the show "featured challenging storylines, raised important issues, challenged stereotypes and welcomed disability and diversity." She added, "So sad to see it ending. Working on the show was fun, engaging, challenging and a brilliant experience."
"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."
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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 faced 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".
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.
Source: Press Association
