Martin Clunes has shared the heartbreaking news of the death of his Doc Martin co-star Dodger the dog. The actor, 63, revealed the sad update during a live appearance on The One Show.
Dodger, who played Martin’s on-screen dog Buddy, had been diagnosed with dementia and retired from the show before the final series aired in 2022.
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Dodger was a fan favourite
Dodger joined Doc Martin in 2009 and remained on the show until 2019. He became a favourite with viewers, even though Martin’s character famously disapproved of him.
The black and white Border Terrier brought warmth and humour to the show’s Cornish setting. Despite their on-screen tension, Martin admitted the pair had a great relationship off-camera.
Martin reflects on working with Dodger
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Speaking to presenters on The One Show, Martin said: “Oh Dodger, oh yeah! He was fantastic, that boy. Sadly no longer with us.”
He added: “That was the joke, I thought… ‘Who hates dogs?’… that someone who hates dogs, but they all love him, and they just hang out with him.”
Martin also revealed how he approached scenes with Dodger: “So I had to yell at him, throw him around, do all sorts of things but I never shouted really at him. I just waved my lips around and added in the shouting later.”
Behind the scenes with Dodger and Sonia
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Dodger was trained by Sonia Turner, who worked closely with Martin during filming. The two formed a strong bond with the animal actor, and Martin credited Sonia for making their work on Doc Martin so enjoyable.
“Me and Sonia Turner, his trainer, and Dodger, we just had such fun on that, y’know?” he said. “Pushing the limits of what we could do with him and he was fabulous.”
Dodger’s dementia diagnosis
© ITV
In 2019, it was announced that Dodger would not return for the show’s tenth and final series. Sonia confirmed that he had been diagnosed with dementia and would retire from acting.
At the time, Martin said: “Dodger who pla