Wondering why Doctors isn't on today? There's been a shake-up to the BBC's TV schedule this week.
It's the beloved daytime soap that has been drawing viewers in for 23 years. Much like Countdown, Loose Women and Homes under the Hammer, the show has become a staple of daytime television.
Fans have taken to the turbulent lives and loves of both staff and patients at the Mill Health medical centre and its wider fictional town of Letherbridge for over two decades.
Be it the opinionated and organised Kirsty Millar or fan favourite Jimmy Clay (played by longest-running Doctors cast member Adrian Lewis Morgan) - the show continues to deliver strong characters and shocking storylines.
Sadly the last week of June in 2023 has seen Doctors withdrawn from usual BBC scheduling, with many fans wondering why. We've shared what we know about why Doctors has been cancelled this week and when it's next set to return to screens.
Why is Doctors not on BBC1 today?
Official BBC Doctors Twitter account announced that the popular BBC 1 daytime soap would not be on BBC1 this week until September. It told fans, "Doctors will be off air and return to your screens on Monday 4th September. In the meantime, Catch up on BBC iPlayer." A fan site claimed it was taking its "annual summer break".
And understandably fans aren't happy. One tweeted, "This is madness!! It’s getting earlier each year? You always used to break in July when Wimbledon started. Why so early? I fear this may be headed for the chop. First 4 day run instead of 5, now ending earlier. Come on sort it out BBC1."
A second fan wrote, "Can’t believe there’s now a break until September! Why? No other soap does this!"
While a third fan added, "What can I do now? Gutted."
But another fan was in support of the break, they explained, "Breaks are good. They let the writers rest and recharge which means better writing and better stories. Just look at the rubbish the ITV soaps are coming out with rushing out 6 episodes every single week. Quality over quantity.
Hard hitting storylines have led producers to issue helplines to viewers affected by topics they've seen on the show.
If you have been affected by sexual abuse or violence, details of help and support are available at https://t.co/hN9C2Xi7y8, or you can call for free, at any time to hear recorded information on 0800 077 077.June 21, 2023
It's not the first time that Doctors has been taken off air, back in April this year the official BBC Doctors Twitter account announced its temporary axing but at the time no explanation was given for the scheduling change.
And back in early February, Doctors was taken off air for over a week, with the BBC deciding to replace it with episodes of Animal Park Heroes instead. It's believed the change was due to an upcoming storyline that may seem insensitive following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
It was thought that episodes were switched due to the show's storyline showing an explosion at a medical conference with many Mill staff characters sustaining injuries and being stuck under the wreckage.
Doctors will be off air and return to your screens on Monday 4th September. In the meantime, Catch up on BBC iPlayer. https://t.co/4CXIPDLaInJune 22, 2023
When is Doctors back on TV?
The BBC have confirmed that Doctors will be back on screens on Monday 4th September at the usual time of 1.45pm. Episodes are expected to follow on the Tuesday and Wednesday as usual too.
Doctor's usual air schedule is Monday-Thursday on BBC One, with episodes starting at 1.45pm and ending at 2.15pm. As always, you can catch up with any episodes of Doctors missed on BBC iPlayer.
The soap synopsis will be available nearer the time.
On her first shift with Rob, Claudia gets caught up in a family feud. pic.twitter.com/eLWdHKUKCIJune 22, 2023
Doctors cast 2023
The Doctors cast for 2023 are; Kirsty Millar played by Kiruna Stamell, Dr Nina Bulsara played by Wendi Peters, Dr Suni Bulsara, played by Rahul Arya, Binita Prabhu played by Nina Wadia, Malika Dahlan played by Aria Prasad, Tanisha Fonseca played by Andrea Ali, Miles Bailey played by Louis Saxby, and PC Claudia Briant played by Kiza Deen.
Until then you might want to watch another BBC show
- Wimbledon 2023 - why is it starting later?
- Gladiators
- BBC iPlayer Numberblocks
- A Wright Family Holiday
- Julia Donaldson's classic books on iPlayer - The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Zog
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