BBC Doctors.

Continuing drama

DIRECTOR | series 24 | 6 x 30” | BBC One

Doctors was a long-running BBC continuing drama set in a Midlands GP practice, following the lives of staff and patients.

I directed two blocks (6×30') of this much-loved British daytime series. The schedule was intense: 90 minutes of material in seven days, often up to 20 scenes a day across multiple storylines.

It was a rigorous test of creativity, adaptability and leadership. I drew heavily on my documentary and independent film experience to stay agile under pressure while fostering a safe, collaborative set for the show’s 14-strong regular cast and guest actors.

Stories ranged from stillbirth and disordered eating to later-life surrogacy and brain cancer, demanding both speed and sensitivity. The experience deepened my respect for continuing drama’s pace and discipline, and for the actors whose craft and humanity bring each story to life.

  • Guest cast: Catrin Stewart, Mateo Oxley, Aedan Duckworth, Suzanne Proctor, Hannah Morrison, Cliona Flynn and Jamie Nisbet / Tracy Whitwell, Aaron Cobham, Anna Bolton, Lily Hawkins, Michelle Gallagher, Philip Cairns, Rendah Beshoori, Rishi Manuel, Victoria Blunt, Livvi Parsons and Yousef Naseer.

    Block producers: Simon Curtis + Andy Richardson
    DOPs: Mike Carling + Andy Clark
    A Camera: James Pugh + Paul McGrory
    B Camera: Ollie Thurley + Tom Mills
    Script supervisors: Ash Denver + Pippa Spark
    Produced by BBC Studios, Birmingham

Writers
David Semple
Poz Watson
Rossa McPhillips
Maggie Innes
Olly Perkin
Henrietta Hardy