Dr Foster writer Mike Barlett says he’s ‘done’ with the hit BBC drama and won’t write a third series
THERE won’t be another appointment with Doctor Foster — as its creator has declared he is “done” with the hit drama.
Writer Mike Bartlett’s decision comes after the programme’s stars dismissed the chances of a third series.
Hammering the final nail in the coffin, Mike said he now has “no burning desire” to pen more stories.
The second series aired on BBC1 in 2017.
And Mike admits the prospect of a comeback was already hampered by the thriller boosting the careers of Bertie Carvel, Suranne Jones and Jodie Comer.
He said: “We’re definitely done and we’re all doing — certainly they are doing — amazing things. Each of the two series feel like two different novels to me, so it’s not like there’s anything incomplete.
“It would only come back if we had the right story to tell in the right way — and I don’t have a burning desire to find that story.”
Suranne has already said she thinks her character, scorned wife Dr Gemma Foster, has reached the end of the road.
And Bertie, who played her cheating husband Simon, reckoned BBC budgets would not stretch to “golden handcuffs” deals to stop cast members taking more lucrative roles.
But fans don’t have to go cold turkey. BBC1 drama Life, which airs on Tuesdays, includes two former characters from Doctor Foster, Anna and husband Neil, played by Victoria Hamilton and Adam Jones.
Comparing the shows, Mike said: “They’re both full of twists.”
That’s still small consolation, though.
Gill bags prime role
GLAMOROUS Gillian Anderson could hardly look less like Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister she plays in The Crown.
The only thing they do share is the love of a good handbag – as shown by the Sex Education actress in this ad for leather goods brand Dune London.
Maggie, who features heavily in the new Netflix series out next month, was famed for giving political opponents a “handbagging” to exert her influence.
Luckily Gill doesn’t have to resort to such tactics – she’s dating The Crown’s creator, Peter Morgan.
Pudsey in bed by 10pm
CHILDREN In Need has been an institution for 40 years, but this year’s show is going to look slightly different.
I’m told that the fundraising telethon is going to end at 10pm for the first time because Covid-19 has made filming more difficult than usual.
The November 13 show is going ahead as usual from Elstree Studios, Herts, to mark the landmark anniver-sary.
BBC bosses have yet to decide on a new host, after Tess Daly said she would be stepping down from the programme after 11 years at the helm.
A source close to Pudsey said: “The show is happening this year, as everyone wants to mark 40 years.
“But it’s going to be impossible to have hundreds of famous faces traipsing through Elstree and doing slots. So they’ve decided to pare it back a bit and end it at 10pm rather than go on into the early hours.
“All the usual ways to help the cause, such as Pudsey merchandise, will be available as normal, but the telethon will be slightly smaller scale.”
Bizbit
CORRIE twins Isabel and William Flanagan, who play Fiz’s daughter and Chesney’s son respectively, have returned to the cobbles after a six-month break due to the pandemic.
Their mum said: “Lovely seeing them back doing what they love.”
Jade’s old jibe
EARLY in her career, Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall crossed paths with a scathing judge similar to Simon Cowell – in an old folks’ home.
On tomorrow’s The Search, the singer recalls how she sang to an elderly crowd as a teen and was on the receiving end of a waspish put-down from a pensioner.
Jade says on the BBC1 show: “I was nearly finished and they started clapping.
“I said, ‘I’m not finished yet’ and this old bloke was like, ‘I wish it was’.”
The memory was sparked by a video of a contestant singing to a group of OAPs while they knitted.
At least it was good prep for The X Factor.
Strictly seconds for Joe
NOTHING says love like being bought all your shirts from a TV talent show – at least Dianne Buswell thinks so.
The Strictly Come Dancing pro reveals on BBC1’s Strictly: The Best Of Musicals, that she snapped up the garments for boyfriend Joe Sugg’s Christmas present.
But they’re not any ordinary shirts – they come with a little difference.
Speaking on tomorrow’s show, Joe explained: “Just to make sure your shirt don’t flap out of your jeans or trousers they put them on pants.”
Can’t say I would be thrilled to open that on Christmas Day.
Terror on Albert Square
EASTENDERS serial killer Lucas Johnson is making a shock return.
The former preacher – who is played by Don Gilet in the BBC1 soap – is currently serving life for murdering five people during his reign of terror on Albert Square, which ended in 2010.
A TV insider said: “Lucas’s return is going to be explosive, not least for Denise (Diane Parish). Her world is going to be turned upside down when her killer ex walks back into her life later this year. It’s going to spark a major storyline that will run and run.”
Don said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be asked to breathe life once again into such a complex, controversial and divisive character.”
Married at first lockdown
AFTER years of doomed couples, Married At First Sight has finally had its first two success stories.
The Channel 4 series matched four couples before lockdown but only two couples wed before the pandemic hit, including Owen and Michelle.
That meant the other two couples didn’t get to meet and could not have their courtships filmed for series five of the show.
However, both insisted on matchmakers still putting them in touch to meet despite not being filmed – and they are still together.
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Show dating guru Paul Brunson said: “They fought to meet each other.
“They even set themselves up so that they were still socially distanced, but they were able to meet each other and they fell in love.
“I was talking to them yesterday – they’re infatuated with each other.”
Must watch
WHAT? Have I Got News for You, BBC1, 9pm.
WHY? DAMIAN LEWIS hosts the first episode in a new series of the satirical quiz show. He’s joined by journalist Katy Balls and comedian Chris McCausland.
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