BBC Doctors viewers reckon they’ve sussed out the ending of the long-running soap, and it doesn’t look promising.
The show, centring on the lives of medical professionals at a bustling Midlands GP surgery, first hit screens in 2000. For nearly a quarter of a century, it’s been a television mainstay, winning over audiences nationwide.
However, last year brought the news that the BBC had decided to cancel the cherished series, with its final curtain call scheduled for December 2024. The network cited “increased expenses” as the reason behind the decision.
Just this month, the BBC disclosed the exact date for Doctors’ last episode. Despite production having wrapped up months prior, viewers were under the impression that the show would continue until year’s end. Yet, the finale is now set for Thursday, November 14, reports the Mirror.
It appears the conclusion might be quite sombre. Recently in the series, the much-loved Mill Health Centre has seen several changes. The arrival of Dr Graham Elton (played by Alex Avery), the new villain on the block, earlier this year marked a significant shift. Introduced as a potential partner for the Mill Health Centre, he’s already caused quite a stir.
Not only has he convinced receptionist Kirsty Millar (portrayed by Kiruna Stamell) to seek employment elsewhere, but he’s also clashed with popular nurse Luca McIntyre (Ross McLaren). Graham, widely recognised as a bigot and homophobe, has directed barbed comments towards Luca about his views on sexuality and gender. Last week saw tensions escalate dramatically when Graham provoked Luca to the point that he threw a punch.
Seizing the opportunity, Graham pressed Zara Carmichael (played by Elisabeth Dermot Walsh) to sack Luca or face him pulling out of partnership talks which would lead to The Mill’s closure.
As the soap gears up for its final episode, fans are bracing themselves for an emotional conclusion. They’ve taken to social media sharing their theories on how things might end. On the BBC Doctors Facebook fan page, speculations ran rampant.
One viewer pondered: “I’m sure Graham be the catalyst that brings down The Mill and a way to end the programme.” Another queried: “What will be the final straw that closes the Mill? It could be Graham causing a collapse? ” While another speculated: “Will Graham’s homophobia have the Mill closed down? Just a few weeks to go now.”
Adding to the chorus, one said: “The Mill Health Centre is going to be shut down to finish the series once and for all. End of an era! ” In a similar vein, another expressed concern: “Would be sad if Doctors finished with that awful Graham winning and manipulating everybody. I’ll be devastated. Get rid of him and finish on a high.”