KUED Programs

The tourist season has arrived in Portwenn. Disgruntled by the invasion of holidaymakers, Martin grimaces as he makes his way through the crowds. Then he notices an attractive woman, and stops to stare ... at her chest! She can't believe it when he says he'd like to examine her chest. Martin was actually trying to warn the woman about the dangers of sunbathing for fear of skin cancer, but his usual abrupt and quirky manner has caused offense. Gossip about the blood phobia which forced Martin to terminate his brilliant career as a surgeon seems to have spread round the village like wild fire. Two patients in the surgery can't resist mentioning the 'b' word to Martin. Then he gets an urgent call from the pub. Bert has had a terrible accident while working there, and he's bleeding profusely. The sight of blood pouring from Bert's wound begins to trigger the all too familiar panic attacks for Martin. But on closer examination he realizes the blood is actually tomato ketchup!

Dr. Martin Ellingham is still as clumsy as ever when it comes to forming relationships with the opposite sex. Just when things were beginning to look rosily romantic between him and pretty school teacher Louisa Glasson, he made a terrible faux pas. She can't forgive him for accusing her of failing in her dental hygiene regime. Meanwhile, Muriel's condition deteriorates in the home. Then Martin realizes that her problems are being caused because she is dehydrated, and that has caused her to become confused. At the surgery, Martin is taken aback to find a strange girl working in reception.

Louisa is nervously awaiting an interview for promotion to head teacher of Portwenn Primary School, and she's anxious to make a good impression. But the odds seem to be stacked against her. Dr. Ellingham is on the board of governors, and she's not sure she can count on his vote. Meanwhile, Bert Large is testing out his culinary skills on the villagers. He's taken over the running of the fish and chip shop while owner Mrs. Cronk is in the hospital - and goes to some unusual lengths to improve the food! Martin discovers that the skin infection affecting some of the local children is not impetigo as he had initially diagnosed, but a rare condition usually only passed by animals.

Bert Large has been hiding a heartbreaking secret from his son Al, which threatens to jeopardize their close relationship. His reluctance to produce his son's birth certificate arouses Al's suspicions. Could it be that Bert is not his dad? Martin visits the Flint brothers at the remote country home they share with their father Victor and mother Doreen. Wallace and Paddy Flint have been suffering chronic stomach disorders, and a blood test confirms they have salmonella poisoning. But there's something else odd about this family. Meanwhile, PC Mark Mylow has had to deal with his domineering sister's arrival in Portwenn. She has decided to set up in business in Mark's flat above the police station as a herbalist offering alternative remedies.

There's concern in Portwenn that local radio presenter Caroline Bosman has a drink problem. She's been heard slurring her words during her broadcasts, and she's been seen driving erratically. Her marriage is on the rocks because of her strange behavior. PC Mylow has romance on his mind. He's been bowled over by the pretty, blonde newcomer to Portwenn, Julie. He offers to give her driving lessons, and is over the moon when she accepts. But his little bubble of happiness bursts when she decides to enroll at a proper driving school. Meanwhile, Martin has an odorous problem with one of his patients. Vernon Cooke stinks so much nobody can bear to be in the same room. Martin has the unpleasant task of trying to discover the cause.

Irate husband Phil Pratt accuses Dr. Ellingham of killing his wife Helen when he comes to their house to treat her. Then a horrific accident on the farm leaves Mr. Pratt desperately needing the doctor to save his life. Joan finds him trapped under a tractor, where he has been all night. A new teacher at Portwenn primary school, Tricia Soames, has sore hands. The doctor soon realizes that Tricia is showing all the signs of obsessive compulsive disorder. Meanwhile, things are looking up for PC Mylow on the romance front. Julie invites him to her house for coffee. And he doesn't leave until the following morning, looking rather disheveled, but with a smile on his face.