Editing Doctors (2000 TV series) (section)

===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>