The recent announcement by the BBC to cancel the long-running daytime show Doctors has sparked controversy and frustration among those involved in the production. Screenwriter Philip Ralph took to social media to express his dismay at the decision, highlighting the show’s 24-year run, its impact on thousands of people, and the multitude of episodes produced. Ralph described the decision as “disastrous” and emphasized the unique storytelling opportunities that Doctors provided.
Doctors has not only been a staple in daytime television but has also served as an important platform for emerging talent in the UK industry. The show has been dubbed the “actors’ training ground” and has provided early roles for stars such as Eddie Redmayne, Nicholas Hoult, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The cancellation of Doctors will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the industry, especially as the TV industry is already experiencing a downturn in production.
The decision to axe Doctors comes at a time when the TV industry is facing challenges, with a significant number of professionals currently out of work. Ralph highlighted the show’s role as a “finger in the dam” in the face of these challenges, providing much-needed opportunities for those in the industry. The loss of Doctors will not only impact those who worked on the show but will also have wider implications for the industry as a whole.
As Doctors airs its final episode in December, the end of the show marks the end of an era for daytime television. The decision to cancel the show has raised questions about the future of storytelling in the UK industry and the opportunities available for emerging talent. While the cancellation may be seen as a setback for those involved in the show, it has also sparked conversations about the current state of the TV industry and the need for innovative new programs to fill the void left by Doctors.