Doc Martin gets French makeover

Digital Rights Group (DRG) has licensed the format to UK broadcaster ITV’s comedy drama Doc Martin to French commercial channel TF1.

The French network has picked up scripted format rights to the show and commissioned a six-part series from French producer Ego Productions.

Filming of the French adaptation will begin in April in Brittany. The series will star feature film actor Thierry Lhermitte (les Bronzés, Un Indien dans la Ville) in the lead role of the truculent and tactless doctor who causes mayhem in a small community.

The UK version, in which Martin Clunes plays the doctor, is produced by Buffalo Pictures in association with Homerun Productions and has been commissioned by ITV for a fifth series.

The French deal marks the third scripted adaptation of the comedy drama in Europe. Antena 3 in Spain recently renewed its deal with DRG for rights to the format and will produce another 18-part season of its adaptation, Doctor Mateo, starring Gonzalo de Castro.

In Germany, two seasons of Doktor Martin have been commissioned, starring Alex Milberg.