Martin Clunes has confirmed the passing of his beloved canine Doc Martin co-star Dodger following a dementia diagnosis.
The dog famously played the role of Buddy – the dog of Clunes's character Martin Ellingham – between 2009 and 2019, before being diagnosed with the condition.
Appearing on The One Show, Clunes spoke about the Rough Jack Russell Terrier, sharing that he had sadly died.
"He was fantastic, that boy. Sadly, no longer with us," he said.
Reflecting further on his character hating dogs, Clunes explained: "That was the joke, I thought 'Who hates dogs?' But they all love him, and they just hang out with him.
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"So I had to yell at him, throw him around, do all sorts of things, but I never shouted really at him. I just waved my lips around and added in the shouting later."
Clunes added that he and Dodger's trainer Sonia Turner "had such fun" and enjoyed "pushing the limits of what we could do with him", adding: "He was fabulous."
Sonia herself previously shared that Dodger had died in 2023, writing on an Instagram post: "A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has taken the time to remember Dodger and send their condolences.
"Tom and I are truly touched and amazed that our little chap had been taken to heart by so many people, both here and abroad. Bless you Dodger."
Related: Martin Clunes' new ITV drama is a gritty return for the Doc Martin star
Doc Martin concluded in 2022 after nearly two decades on air, though Martin teased earlier this year that a movie could happen in the future.
"There was talk from one of the movie distributors about making a film version of Doc Martin, and my answer at the moment, two years on from finishing the 10th and final series, is never say never – it could happen," he said.
"We did film a couple of feature-length Christmas specials which ran to 90 and 120 minutes and that proved we could pull it off, when it comes to making a longer version of Doc Martin. So it is possible."
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
