Editing Doctors (2000 TV series) (section)

==History==
===2000–2016: ''Decade of Doctors'' and 3000 episodes===
The first episode of ''Doctors'' was transmitted on 26 March 2000.<ref>{{cite news |last=Timblick |first=Simon |title=Doctors spoilers: Happy 20TH ANNIVERSARY, Doctors! |url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/events/doctors-spoilers-20th-anniversary-doctors/ |access-date=22 March 2021 |work=[[What's on TV]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322123734/https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/events/doctors-spoilers-20th-anniversary-doctors/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2002, episodes received an average of 2.5 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/02_february/04/doctorsreturn.shtml|title=BBC Press Office – TV Drama – Doctors returns|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910164655/https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/02_february/04/doctorsreturn.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Young departed from the position of executive producer on 6 April 2005, with Will Trotter assuming the position from the next day.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a287075/doctors-2000th-episode-plans-revealed/|title='Doctors' 2,000th episode plans revealed|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=2 November 2020|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117200814/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a287075/doctors-2000th-episode-plans-revealed/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2006, ''Doctors'' aired the first same-sex wedding on British television when characters [[Greg Robinson (Doctors)|Greg Robinson]] ([[Ben Jones (British actor)|Ben Jones]]) and [[Rico Da Silva]] ([[Felix D'Alviella]]) got married.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1002994286256934913 |title=Brookside may have had the first gay kiss, but @bbcdoctors had the first gay wedding on British TV. #ThingsYouMayNotKnowAboutBBCDoctors #SoapAwards|date=2 June 2018|user=BBCDoctors}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a31279/doctors-to-show-first-gay-wedding/|title='Doctors' to show first gay wedding|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=4 January 2020|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103100548/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a31279/doctors-to-show-first-gay-wedding/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, the episode which reached the highest ratings in ''Doctors'' history was "Restraint" which was aired on 31 March. The episode saw [[Ruth Pearce (Doctors)|Ruth Pearce]] ([[Selina Chilton]]) admitted to a psychiatric hospital after developing an obsession over colleague and friend [[Michelle Corrigan]] (Donnaleigh Bailey). Another episode in 2009 that reached 3.4 million viewers was "Cold Comfort", which was the last episode aired in 2009; it involved the Christmas party, which saw [[Lily Hassan]]'s ([[Seeta Indrani]]) marriage proposal to [[Heston Carter]] ([[Owen Brenman]]) turned down.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/doctors-star-sophie-abelson-enjoying-3442427|title=Doctors star Sophie Abelson enjoying BBC drama role|last=Lee|first=Susan|date=20 October 2009 |website=[[Liverpool Echo]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008183458/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/doctors-star-sophie-abelson-enjoying-3442427|archive-date=8 October 2019|access-date=8 October 2019}}</ref> On 26 March 2010, ''Doctors'' celebrated its 10th anniversary and 1800th episode. Under the title ''Decade of Doctors'', the BBC aired five-minute episodes about the series after each day's episode during the anniversary week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tv/entries/2cd8cb32-c9b2-37b7-8500-f59701f15297|title=A decade of Doctors|date=24 March 2010|publisher=BBC|access-date=23 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216214654/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tv/entries/2cd8cb32-c9b2-37b7-8500-f59701f15297|archive-date=16 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In each episode, cast and crew members talked about topics including the conception of the series, their favourite storylines and facts about ''Doctors''. That year, the highest watched episode received 2.9 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/bbc-axe-survivors-and-doctors-is-next-214581|title=BBC axe Survivors and Doctors is next|date=13 April 2010|website=[[Daily Mirror]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008183500/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/bbc-axe-survivors-and-doctors-is-next-214581|archive-date=8 October 2019|access-date=8 October 2019}}</ref> The average for the year was 2 million viewers.<ref name="Primetime" />

On 16 February 2011, ''Doctors'' aired its 2000th episode titled "Quarantine", which was extended and ran for 60 minutes. From 17 September 2012, for five days, special [[Red Button (digital television)|red button]] episodes aired after the regular episodes, focusing on the conclusion of the [[Harrison Kellor]] ([[James Larkin (actor)|James Larkin]]) storyline, exploring [[Elaine Cassidy (Doctors)|Elaine Cassidy]] ([[Janet Dibley]]) and how she dealt with Harrison's change of plea for [[Lauren Porter]]'s ([[Alexis Peterman]]) murder. In 2012, ''Doctors'' aired a "[[Shakespeare]] week", with episodes themed around "a number of his most popular plays".<ref name="Shakespeare">{{cite news |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=Doctors will air another special Shakespeare week in 2016 |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a775255/doctors-to-air-another-special-shakespeare-week-in-2016/ |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Digital Spy |date=25 November 2015 |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322123732/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a775255/doctors-to-air-another-special-shakespeare-week-in-2016/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 June 2015, Trotter departed from the position of executive producer, with [[Mike Hobson]] assuming the position from the next day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/entries/2a034ec4-91cb-4082-abd0-513b3a531750|title=The Doctors will see you now|work=BBC Blog|date=3 November 2015|access-date=4 March 2020|archive-date=19 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519005342/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/entries/2a034ec4-91cb-4082-abd0-513b3a531750|url-status=live}}</ref> Episodes in that year averaged at 1.7 million viewers,<ref>{{cite web |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=Doctors guest role for Hollyoaks actor Neil Newbon|date=28 January 2014 |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s16/doctors/news/a547110/doctors-guest-role-for-hollyoaks-actor-neil-newbon.html|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=28 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130063302/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s16/doctors/news/a547110/doctors-guest-role-for-hollyoaks-actor-neil-newbon.html|archive-date=30 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> with the highest rating of the year being 1.94 million.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|title=Coronation Street: Tina's big decision brings in 8m on Wednesday|date=13 February 2014|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s3/coronation-street/news/a550918/coronation-street-tinas-big-decision-brings-in-8m-on-wednesday.html|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=16 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214095347/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s3/coronation-street/news/a550918/coronation-street-tinas-big-decision-brings-in-8m-on-wednesday.html|archive-date=14 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2015, ''Doctors'' sparked criticism after the word "pussy" was used in an episode. Due to the programme being transmitted in the daytime, the claims of "offensive language" led to an investigation by [[Ofcom]], a broadcasting regulator.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=Doctors to be investigated by Ofcom over 'offensive language' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a642901/doctors-to-be-investigated-by-ofcom-over-offensive-language/ |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Digital Spy |date=20 April 2015 |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322123735/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a642901/doctors-to-be-investigated-by-ofcom-over-offensive-language/ |url-status=live}}</ref> They were later cleared of any breaches of the code, with an Ofcom spokesperson stating: "Following investigation, we found this BBC One soap didn't break our rules for offensive language before the watershed. The language used in the show was justified by the context it was presented in and aired at a time when children were unlikely to be watching."<ref>{{cite news |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=Doctors cleared by Ofcom over 'offensive language' claims |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a650378/doctors-cleared-by-ofcom-over-offensive-language-claims/ |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Digital Spy |date=1 June 2015 |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322123741/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a650378/doctors-cleared-by-ofcom-over-offensive-language-claims/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 10 September 2015, ''Doctors'' aired its 3000th episode, "The Heart of England", which was extended and ran for 60 minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/entries/c7d03aeb-67ca-4c6b-b7d8-ffc2adabe193|title=BBC Blogs – BBC Writersroom – Writing for Doctors – 'The Heart of England'|author=Way|first=Katharine|date=9 September 2015|publisher=BBC|url-status=live|access-date=15 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914043008/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/entries/c7d03aeb-67ca-4c6b-b7d8-ffc2adabe193|archive-date=14 September 2015}}</ref> The average viewing figure for 2015 was 2 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.walsallcollege.ac.uk/news/details/student-gets-acting-break-in-bbc-drama|title=A former Walsall College Performing Arts student landed a part in BBC serial drama 'Doctors', just a month after achieving his qualification in August|date=n.d.|publisher=[[Walsall College]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008183504/https://www.walsallcollege.ac.uk/news/details/student-gets-acting-break-in-bbc-drama|archive-date=8 October 2019|access-date=8 October 2019}}</ref> Later that year, to commemorate the 400th year of Shakespeare's death, the soap revisited his work, with a week of episodes focusing specifically on his sonnets.<ref name="Shakespeare" /> The cast filmed scenes at the [[Royal Shakespeare Company]] in [[Stratford-upon-Avon]] for the episodes, one of which includes Heston reciting [[Sonnet 73]] to girlfriend [[Ruhma Hanif]] ([[Bharti Patel]]).<ref>{{cite news |last=Dainty |first=Sophie |title=Doctors cast bring Shakespeare to life as they film special scenes at the Royal Shakespeare Company |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a782259/doctors-cast-bring-shakespeare-to-life-as-they-film-special-scenes-at-the-royal-shakespeare-company/ |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=Digital Spy |date=3 February 2016 |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322123712/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a782259/doctors-cast-bring-shakespeare-to-life-as-they-film-special-scenes-at-the-royal-shakespeare-company/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Series producer Lloyd also stated that due to the rise of homelessness in the Birmingham area that year, the soap would be featuring a week that focuses on homelessness.<ref name="Shakespeare" /> The "emotional and powerful" homelessness week aired in May 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=BBC Doctors put homeless centre stage |url=https://www.whatsonlive.co.uk/news/bbc-doctors-put-homeless-centre-stage-in-a-week-of-dedicated-episodes/33793 |access-date=14 March 2021 |work=What's On |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322123720/https://www.whatsonlive.co.uk/news/bbc-doctors-put-homeless-centre-stage-in-a-week-of-dedicated-episodes/33793 |url-status=live}}</ref> Script editor Nasreen Ahmed stated that lots of research went into the week, with researchers constantly finding new statistics and information. She added that it was tricky to cover the "darker stuff" with their daytime transmission slot, but opined that ''Doctors'' is the perfect platform for a homelessness storyline, due to the links to the medical surgery.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nasreen Ahmed Interview |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3GVjByTtChw9f64dFTv612l/nasreen-ahmed-interview |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322123736/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3GVjByTtChw9f64dFTv612l/nasreen-ahmed-interview |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2017–2023: Ratings increase and pandemic===
In 2017, ratings for ''Doctors'' improved, averaging at 2.5 million viewers, with a peak of 4 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/british-soaps-ranked-worst-best/5doctorsbbc-one-2000-presentthe-lunchtime-medi-soap-might-fly/|title=From Eldorado to EastEnders – British soaps ranked, from worst to best|date=3 June 2017|work=The Telegraph|access-date=3 July 2019|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703162857/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/british-soaps-ranked-worst-best/5doctorsbbc-one-2000-presentthe-lunchtime-medi-soap-might-fly/|archive-date=3 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2018, ''Doctors'' aired another themed week, based around mental health. The transmission dates coincided with [[Mental Health Awareness Week]]. Writer Andrew Cornish felt that due to the seriousness of the topic, it felt "counter-productive and unrealistic" to "drop" regular characters into numerous mental health-related storylines for that one week, so he planned to have several storylines come to a head in the week. These included [[Rob Hollins]]' ([[Chris Walker (actor)|Chris Walker]]) PTSD and [[Al Haskey]]'s ([[Ian Midlane]]) struggle with the diagnosis of his mother's dementia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Doctors - Mental Health Awareness Week |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/entries/cd03e4d0-71e9-4bac-ae7a-bc982736c6c9 |access-date=14 March 2021 |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=9 May 2018 |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322123741/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/entries/cd03e4d0-71e9-4bac-ae7a-bc982736c6c9 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2019, it was confirmed via Twitter that ''Doctors'' were filming for the 20th anniversary episode. As part of the celebrations for the milestone, [[Julia Parsons]] ([[Diane Keen]]) briefly returned to the series.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=BBCDoctors|number=1197566518810284032|date=21 November 2019|title=We started filming on our 20th anniversary episode today, and we're so excited to welcome Diane Keen (@thisisdianekeen) aka Julia Parsons back to Doctors!}}</ref> It was also revealed that every regular cast member in the series will be featured in a scene together.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=BBCDoctors|number=1197907656662568960|date=22 November 2019|title=This doesn't happen very often – all of our regular cast (and returning cast member Diane Keen) gathered in the same place to shoot a scene together. We had to take a picture to mark the moment!}}</ref> To celebrate the 20th year of ''Doctors'', a competition was opened for viewers to visit the set at [[BBC Drama Village]] on 18 March 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.atvtoday.co.uk/151243-bbc/|title=Doctors set tour to celebrate 20th anniversary|work=ATV Today|date=10 March 2020|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=30 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330113626/https://www.atvtoday.co.uk/151243-bbc/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the set tour was postponed,<ref name="CancelledTour">{{cite web|url=https://www.birminghamupdates.com/bbc-daytime-drama-doctors-turns-20-and-fans-are-invited-to-come-and-celebrate/|title=BBC daytime drama Doctors turns 20 and fans are invited to come and celebrate|work=Birmingham Updates|date=9 March 2020 |access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=10 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410205035/https://www.birminghamupdates.com/bbc-daytime-drama-doctors-turns-20-and-fans-are-invited-to-come-and-celebrate/|url-status=live}}</ref> and it was later announced that filming of ''Doctors'' had too been postponed due to the virus.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-51943592|title=Coronavirus: EastEnders, Casualty, Doctors and Holby City suspend filming|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=18 March 2020|access-date=18 March 2020|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210115210501/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/entertainment-arts-51943592|url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 March 2020, a 60-minute episode titled "A Day in the Life..." was broadcast, which saw the conclusion of a long-running prison storyline involving [[Jimmi Clay]] ([[Adrian Lewis Morgan]]), and a documentary being made about The Mill.<ref>{{cite episode|title=A Day in the Life...|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000gpm7|series=Doctors|series-link=Doctors (2000 TV series)|credits=Writer: Toby Walton; Director: Niall Fraser; Producer: Dawn Coulson-Beckett|network=[[BBC]]|station=[[BBC One]]|airdate=26 March 2020|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319001431/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000gpm7|url-status=live}}</ref> Also in March 2020, an episode starring [[Joe Pasquale]] was broadcast.<ref name="Pasquale">{{cite news|url=https://www.entertainmentdaily.co.uk/soaps/joe-pasquale-plays-multiple-characters-in-baffling-doctors-episode/%3fformat=amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423023623/https://www.entertainmentdaily.co.uk/soaps/joe-pasquale-plays-multiple-characters-in-baffling-doctors-episode/?format=amp|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 April 2023|title=Joe Pasquale plays multiple characters in 'baffling' Doctors episode|work=Entertainment Daily|date=13 March 2020|access-date=10 April 2020|last=Mahoney|first=Beth}}</ref> The episode, titled "The Joe Pasquale Problem", depicts patient [[List of Doctors characters (2020)#Lizzie Milton|Lizzie Milton]] (Adele James) as suffering from the [[Fregoli delusion]], seeing everyone as [[List of Doctors characters (2020)#Joe Pasquale|Pasquale]].<ref>{{cite episode|title=The Joe Pasquale Problem|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000g76n|series=Doctors|series-link=Doctors (2000 TV series)|credits=Writer: Stephen Keyworth; Director: David Lewis Richardson; Producer: Peter Leslie Wild|network=[[BBC]]|station=[[BBC One]]|airdate=12 March 2020|access-date=10 April 2020|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324164531/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000g76n|url-status=live}}</ref> The episode went [[Viral video|viral]] on [[Twitter]] and Beth Maloney of ''Entertainment Daily'' described the episode as "bizarre but amazing".<ref name="Pasquale" />

On 22 May 2020, despite having the government's permission to recommence production on set, ''Doctors'' announced that a [[COVID-19 lockdowns|lockdown]] episode was being filmed at cast members' homes using their mobile phones.<ref name="Lockdown">{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a32644977/doctors-special-coronavirus-lockdown-episode/|title=Doctors to film special lockdown episode|publisher=Digital Spy|date=22 May 2020|access-date=22 May 2020|last=Edwards|first=Chris|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210115210726/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a32644977/doctors-special-coronavirus-lockdown-episode/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Doctors'' became the first soap opera to address the pandemic, as well as the first to film an episode solely using mobile devices.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/bbc-one-soap-doctors-to-air-lockdown-episode-about-coronavirus-pandemic/amp/|title=BBC One soap Doctors to air lockdown episode about coronavirus pandemic|work=[[Aberdeen Evening Express]]|date=2 June 2020|access-date=2 June 2020|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610055934/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/bbc-one-soap-doctors-to-air-lockdown-episode-about-coronavirus-pandemic/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref> The episode, titled "[[Can You Hear Me? (Doctors)|Can You Hear Me?]]", aired on 12 June 2020.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Can You Hear Me?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000jz84|series=Doctors|series-link=Doctors (2000 TV series)|credits=Writer: Toby Walton; Director: Peter Eryl Lloyd; Executive Producer: Mike Hobson|network=BBC|station=[[BBC One]]|airdate=12 June 2020|access-date=2 June 2020|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612224323/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000jz84|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Birmingham soap Doctors creates special coronavirus lockdown episode|work=[[Birmingham Mail]]|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/birmingham-soap-doctors-creates-special-18346851|access-date=9 June 2020|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210115211719/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/birmingham-soap-doctors-creates-special-18346851|url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day of the episode's broadcast, series producer Peter Eryl Lloyd announced that the production team had donated all [[personal protective equipment]] (PPE) to the NHS, so upon the programme's return, the characters would not be wearing PPE in scenes broadcast on television.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ahead of the BBC Doctors lockdown episode on Friday, join Sarah Moyle (Valerie Pitman), Elisabeth Dermot Walsh (Zara Carmichael) & series producer Peter Lloyd LIVE on Facebook talking about the upcoming episode.|url=https://en-gb.facebook.com/BBCBirmingham/videos/288812022487232/|website=[[Facebook]]|access-date=12 June 2020|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612145806/https://en-gb.facebook.com/BBCBirmingham/videos/288812022487232/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2020, it was announced that ''Doctors'' had resumed filming, with Hobson stating that it was a "long process of preparing the set, the crew and actors, to make sure we are working in the safest environment possible".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/09/doctors-follows-eastenders-holby-city-finally-resumes-filming-13106465/|title=Doctors follows EastEnders and Holby City as it finally resumes filming|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|date=10 August 2020|access-date=9 August 2020|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913063844/https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/09/doctors-follows-eastenders-holby-city-finally-resumes-filming-13106465/|url-status=live}}</ref> Cast members had to do their own hair and makeup looks until 2022.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1534936174745333761 |user=kiapegg |last=Pegg |first=Kia |author-link=Kia Pegg |date=9 June 2022 |title=Finally the episodes where I wasn't in charge of my own hair and make up 🤣 let the glow up of Scarlett Kiernan begin}}</ref>

''Doctors'' returned to transmission on 2 November with four weekly episodes, rather than the typical five.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.whattowatch.com/news/when-will-doctors-be-back-on-bbc1-625747/|title=Doctors has finally confirmed its return date on BBC1 – and it's not long!|work=[[What's on TV]]|last=Hollingsworth|first=David|access-date=26 October 2020|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029141217/https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/news/when-will-doctors-be-back-on-bbc1-625747/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref> Series producer Lloyd stated that upon its return, the characters are in a "post Covid world, where social distancing and mask wearing are things of the past, but the ongoing effects of the virus are very much part of everyday life".<ref name=":0">{{cite tweet|number=1323173030005252096|title=Letherbridge is back on line. Here's a little note from Series Producer Peter Lloyd about you can expect.|user=BBCDoctors|date=2 November 2020}}</ref> Episodes in 2020 had an average of 1.6 million live viewers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/soaps/2020-03-26/doctors-bbc-20th-anniversary/|title=Doctors 20th anniversary special promises "a real treat" for fans|work=[[Radio Times]]|last=Simper|first=Paul|access-date=10 April 2020|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605000618/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/soaps/2020-03-26/doctors-bbc-20th-anniversary/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2020, it was announced that ''Doctors'' would be taking another extended transmission break until February, with no episodes set to be broadcast throughout January 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/events/doctors-spoilers-emma-reid-nightmare-christmas/|title=Doctors spoilers: Emma Reid faces a NIGHTMARE before Christmas!|work=[[What's on TV]]|date=8 December 2020|access-date=8 December 2020|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117200759/https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/events/doctors-spoilers-emma-reid-nightmare-christmas/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series returned on 8 February 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/events/doctors-spoilers-al-haskey-big-lie/|title=Doctors spoilers: Will Al Haskey continue with his BIG lie?|work=[[What's on TV]]|date=2 February 2021|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=11 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211092027/https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/events/doctors-spoilers-al-haskey-big-lie/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 October 2021, it was announced that ''Doctors'' would partake in a special crossover event involving multiple British soaps to promote the topic of [[climate change]] ahead of the [[2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference]]. It was confirmed that a character from ''Doctors'' would appear on ''[[Coronation Street]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soaps unite to help highlight climate change |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2021/soaps-unite-to-help-highlight-climate-change |publisher=[[BBC Media Centre]] |access-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012224658/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2021/soaps-unite-to-help-highlight-climate-change |archive-date=12 October 2021 |date=12 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Casualty, Coronation Street, Eastenders, Emmerdale and Holby City to highlight climate change |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-10-12/why-eastenders-and-coronation-street-fans-will-see-characters-from-other-soaps |access-date=12 October 2021 |work=[[ITV News]] |date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012225151/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-10-12/why-eastenders-and-coronation-street-fans-will-see-characters-from-other-soaps |archive-date=12 October 2021}}</ref> In June 2022, it was announced that after two years, ''Doctors'' would return to transmitting five weekly episodes. The added episode was added to schedules from September 2022, following the show's summer break.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Amin |first1=Meghna |title=Doctors announces move to five episodes each week following axe from BBC prime time slot |url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/09/doctors-announces-move-to-five-episodes-each-week-16797920/ |access-date=9 June 2022 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |publisher=([[DMG Media]]) |date=9 June 2022 |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609113356/https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/09/doctors-announces-move-to-five-episodes-each-week-16797920/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2023, episodes of ''Doctors'' that featured an explosion at a medical conference were pulled from television schedules hours before their set transmission; the BBC announced that this was due to being set to air at the same time as the [[2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake]], which they opined would have been insensitive.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sayce |first1=Rebecca |title=Doctors pulled from BBC One schedule after Turkey and Syria earthquake |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a42800929/doctors-bbc-one-turkey-syria-earthquake/ |access-date=9 February 2023 |publisher=Digital Spy |date=8 February 2023 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209065053/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a42800929/doctors-bbc-one-turkey-syria-earthquake/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2023–2024: Cancellation===
{{quote box
|quote    = "We have taken the very difficult decision to bring daytime drama ''Doctors'' to an end after 23 years. With super inflation in drama production, the cost of the programme has increased significantly, and further investment is also now required to refurbish the site where the show is made, or to relocate it to another home. We remain fully committed to the West Midlands and all of the funding for ''Doctors'' will be reinvested into new programming in the region. We would like to thank all the ''Doctors'' cast and crew who have been involved in the show since 2000. We know the crucial role ''Doctors'' has played in nurturing talent, and we will work to develop new opportunities to support skills in scripted programming."
|source   = BBC's statement after cancelling ''Doctors''.<ref name="Axe" />
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On 18 October 2023, the BBC announced that ''Doctors'' had been cancelled. The decision was made due to the financial strain of moving the set from Selly Oak to Digbeth as part of BBC Birmingham's ventures to create a new base for their productions. The BBC confirmed that it would be giving the soap a grand finale and was "working closely with BBC Studios to give it the finale it deserves".<ref name="Axe">{{cite news |last=Warner |first=Sam |title=Doctors axed by BBC after 23 years |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a45570567/doctors-axed-bbc-23-years/ |publisher=Digital Spy |date=18 October 2023 |access-date=18 October 2023 |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018124356/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a45570567/doctors-axed-bbc-23-years/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming was to be wrapped in March 2024, with the final episode scheduled to air in December 2024.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=DOCTORS AXED! |magazine=[[Inside Soap]] |date=24-30 October 2023 |page=17}}</ref><ref name="Reeling">{{cite news |last=Allday |first=Jasmine |title=BBC Doctors legend says cast are 'reeling and devastated' by soap axe after 23 years |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/bbc-doctors-legend-says-cast-31225388 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |date=19 October 2023 |access-date=20 October 2023}}</ref>

Amidst false news reports of ''Doctors'' being cancelled for low ratings, the production team took to social media to debunk them. At the time of its cancellation, ''Doctors'' was receiving an average of 1.6 million live viewers and was consistently the most watched programme in its timeslot. Their social media team posted the statement: "we would like to clarify that the decision to cancel the show is not based on low figures, as we have consistently enjoyed a strong viewership, and we are deeply grateful for the enduring support of our dedicated audience."<ref>{{cite news |last=Anderton |first=Joe |title=Doctors hits back at reports of low ratings in first statement since show axe |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/doctors/a45582989/doctors-axed-low-ratings-response/ |access-date=20 October 2023 |publisher=Digital Spy}}</ref>

Cast member [[Elisabeth Dermot Walsh]] appeared on ''[[Good Morning Britain (2014 TV programme)|Good Morning Britain]]'' to discuss the cancellation, where she said that the whole team were "reeling" from the decision, which had come as a shock to them.<ref name="Reeling" /> Co-star [[Kia Pegg]] wrote a piece on social media about the "dystopian" experience of the team being informed of the cancellation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dooney |first1=Emma |title=BBC Doctors star reveals 'dystopian' moment cast were told of soap's axe |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/bbc-doctors-star-reveals-dystopian-31239694 |access-date=22 October 2023 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |date=20 October 2023}}</ref> She revealed that external people knew of the decision prior to them and was angry that they had been informed before them.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kitson |first1=Calli |title=Doctors star Kia Pegg reveals heartbreaking moment cast were told the show has been axed |url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/10/20/doctors-kia-pegg-moment-cast-were-told-show-axed-19693791/ |access-date=20 October 2023 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |date=20 October 2023 |archive-date=20 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020091814/https://metro.co.uk/2023/10/20/doctors-kia-pegg-moment-cast-were-told-show-axed-19693791/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[#Response to cancellation|response to ''Doctors''{{'}} cancellation]] was universally critical. Viewers launched a petition to save the soap, suggesting that another network could buy the rights to the series to continue making it.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hibbs |first=James |title=Doctors fans petition to save cancelled soap – writers' union backs bid |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/doctors-cancelled-fans-union-petition-newsupdate/ |access-date=20 October 2023 |work=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref> The show's final episode was filmed in March 2024 and was originally to be screened in December 2024,<ref>{{cite news |last=Price |first=Richard |title=Doctors' fans sadness as filming of TV series ends |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj7vk9g9184o |publisher=Digital Spy |date=3 March 2024 |access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref> but this was later revised to November 2024, due to a scheduling break not going ahead as planned, with the final episode screened on 14 November.<ref name="Final Episode">{{cite news |last=Adams |first=Michael |title=Date of beloved axed soap's final episode revealed – and it's sooner than you thought|url=https://metro.co.uk/2024/10/11/date-beloved-axed-soaps-final-episode-revealed-soon-21780170/ |access-date=13 October 2024 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |date=11 October 2024}}</ref>