ITV has announced that Martin Clunes will begin filming a fifth series of popular drama Doc Martin this week.

The broadcaster today confirmed that after a two-year gap, Clunes will reprise his role as Dr Martin Ellingham for the new, eight-episode run.

"I have missed our annual visits to Cornwall, and I look forward to spending the next few months in this beautiful part of the country," Clunes said. "I am thrilled to be able to work with such a fabulous cast, and exciting new storylines."

Also returning to their roles are Caroline Catz as Louisa Glasson and Ian McNeice and Joe Absolom as Bert and Al Large.

Dame Eileen Atkins joins the regular cast as Dr Martin's Aunt Ruth, while Jessica Ransom will appear as the new surgery receptionist, Morwenna Newcross.

Guest stars who will appear across the series include Julie Graham, Peter Vaughan, Robert Daws, Louise Jameson and Joanna Scanlan.

The fifth run will see Dr Martin struggling to cope with the demands of fatherhood, as he embarks on a new chapter of his career, which is to take him away from the village of Portwenn.

Teasing what fans can expect, a statement said: "A new GP, Dr Di Dibbs (Joanna Scanlan), and her husband Gavin (Robert Daws), have already moved into his old surgery. But Dr Ellingham begins to have serious doubts about the competence of Dr Dibbs, and, in his familiar tactless way, is not afraid to tell her.

"The doctor also faces the loss of his Aunt Joan, and has to deal with an equally cantankerous relative who comes to live in Portwenn."

Doc Martin is produced for ITV1 by Buffalo Pictures, an independent production company owned by Clunes and his wife Philippa Braithwaite.

Braithwaite said: "We're delighted so many viewers enjoy the series, as much as we enjoy filming and producing Doc Martin with the beautiful backdrop of Cornwall. Our vision is to ensure this series continues to be as fresh, different and bold as when we first went into production."

The drama continues to be a ratings-winner for ITV, with more than 10m tuning in for the series four finale in November 2009.

DS