WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.160 Okay, let's unpack this. Today we're taking a 00:00:03.160 --> 00:00:06.400 deep dive into someone whose face and voice are 00:00:06.540 --> 00:00:09.460 Well, instantly recognizable across British television 00:00:09.460 --> 00:00:15.140 and beyond. From grumpy doctors to charming adventurers, 00:00:15.400 --> 00:00:17.140 he's really done it all. We're talking like the 00:00:17.140 --> 00:00:19.760 one and only Martin Clunes. That guy. Exactly. 00:00:20.039 --> 00:00:21.699 You know him, you might have laughed with him, 00:00:21.699 --> 00:00:24.399 or even been moved by his performances. Today, 00:00:24.420 --> 00:00:26.980 we're going to explore the full spectrum of his 00:00:26.980 --> 00:00:30.280 incredible career and passions, peeling back 00:00:30.280 --> 00:00:33.079 the layers on, well, a true national treasure. 00:00:33.159 --> 00:00:34.799 Yeah, and what's particularly compelling about 00:00:34.799 --> 00:00:38.359 Martin Clunes, Alexander Martin Clune's OBEDL, 00:00:38.539 --> 00:00:41.119 give him his full due, is how he's cultivated 00:00:41.119 --> 00:00:43.679 such a diverse and enduring career. It's quite 00:00:43.679 --> 00:00:46.240 something. It really is. Moving so seamlessly 00:00:46.240 --> 00:00:48.560 between different genres, different roles for 00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:51.380 decades now. Our mission today isn't just, you 00:00:51.380 --> 00:00:53.179 know, to list his achievements. No, not just 00:00:53.179 --> 00:00:55.700 a CV readout. Right. But to truly connect the 00:00:55.700 --> 00:00:58.159 dots between his early life, his pivotal roles, 00:00:58.420 --> 00:01:01.259 his profound passion projects, and how all these 00:01:01.259 --> 00:01:03.420 elements have contributed to his unique status. 00:01:03.899 --> 00:01:06.340 We'll be looking closely at how his choices reflect 00:01:06.340 --> 00:01:09.700 his deepest values, especially that undeniable 00:01:09.700 --> 00:01:12.719 connection to the natural world and his significant 00:01:12.719 --> 00:01:15.640 philanthropic efforts. It's a remarkable yearning 00:01:15.640 --> 00:01:19.140 of adaptability, genuine commitment, and actually 00:01:19.140 --> 00:01:22.280 surprising depth. Exactly. Whether you predominantly 00:01:22.280 --> 00:01:24.719 know him as the, uh, the curmudgeonly doctor 00:01:24.719 --> 00:01:27.459 from Portwyn. Which many people do. Oh, absolutely. 00:01:27.840 --> 00:01:30.920 Or maybe the hilariously laddish Gary from Men 00:01:30.920 --> 00:01:33.900 Behaving Badly. There is genuinely so much more 00:01:33.900 --> 00:01:36.159 to discover about Martin Clunes. There really 00:01:36.159 --> 00:01:38.319 is. This deep dive is designed to give you a 00:01:38.319 --> 00:01:41.299 shortcut, if you like, to being truly well -informed 00:01:41.299 --> 00:01:43.840 about his entire journey, uncovering the lesser 00:01:43.840 --> 00:01:46.079 -known facets of his career and personal life. 00:01:46.260 --> 00:01:48.299 Yeah, hopefully surprise you a bit. We hope so. 00:01:48.620 --> 00:01:50.239 Surprise you with the breadth of his commitments 00:01:50.239 --> 00:01:52.900 off screen, help you understand the why behind 00:01:52.900 --> 00:01:55.540 his choices, and truly appreciate the surprising 00:01:55.540 --> 00:01:58.120 facts that make his story so rich and multifaceted. 00:01:58.719 --> 00:02:00.819 So to really understand the man, we have to begin 00:02:00.819 --> 00:02:03.379 right at the very start. Martin Clunes was born 00:02:03.379 --> 00:02:06.359 Alexander Martin Clunes on November 28, 1961 00:02:06.359 --> 00:02:09.639 in Wimbledon. Wimbledon, yeah. back then part 00:02:09.639 --> 00:02:11.860 of Surrey, now firmly Greater London. Right. 00:02:12.280 --> 00:02:15.340 His father, Alec Clunes, was an actor, and his 00:02:15.340 --> 00:02:18.539 mother was Daphne, Neacott. He also has an older 00:02:18.539 --> 00:02:22.020 sister, Amanda. I can only imagine what it must 00:02:22.020 --> 00:02:23.840 have been like growing up in a household like 00:02:23.840 --> 00:02:26.439 that, with a father deeply entrenched in the 00:02:26.439 --> 00:02:29.340 performing arts. Was it a natural gravitational 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:32.280 pull towards the stage from day one? That's a 00:02:32.280 --> 00:02:34.610 great question, and it's, well... It's a critical 00:02:34.610 --> 00:02:36.770 piece of the puzzle, isn't it? Growing up with 00:02:36.770 --> 00:02:40.250 an actor, father -like Alec Clunes, would undoubtedly 00:02:40.250 --> 00:02:43.030 have provided a unique lens on the performing 00:02:43.030 --> 00:02:45.430 arts from a very early age. Sure. It wouldn't 00:02:45.430 --> 00:02:48.389 be abstract. Exactly. It wasn't just some distant, 00:02:48.610 --> 00:02:51.370 glamorous dream. It was a tangible reality within 00:02:51.370 --> 00:02:55.599 his own home. This early intimate exposure could 00:02:55.599 --> 00:02:58.319 have profoundly shaped his aspirations or, you 00:02:58.319 --> 00:03:00.280 know, at least given him a pragmatic understanding 00:03:00.280 --> 00:03:02.840 of the profession's demands and rhythms. The 00:03:02.840 --> 00:03:04.659 ups and downs. The ups and downs, absolutely. 00:03:05.120 --> 00:03:07.479 It's an inherited legacy, a generational connection 00:03:07.479 --> 00:03:10.319 to acting that offered a foundational understanding. 00:03:10.539 --> 00:03:13.439 And actually, we can trace an even broader theatrical 00:03:13.439 --> 00:03:15.919 lineage. Oh, really? Yeah. He's related to the 00:03:15.919 --> 00:03:18.319 renowned actor Jeremy Brett. No way. Sherlock 00:03:18.319 --> 00:03:21.819 Holmes. The very same. Brett is variously described 00:03:21.819 --> 00:03:25.280 as either Clune's uncle or cousin. The sources 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:28.080 differ slightly, but it further solidifies a 00:03:28.080 --> 00:03:30.840 family tree with significant roots deeply embedded 00:03:30.840 --> 00:03:33.979 in the dramatic arts. This kind of background 00:03:33.979 --> 00:03:38.400 often instills both a passion and, perhaps crucially, 00:03:39.219 --> 00:03:41.960 a realism about the craft. That's a fascinating 00:03:41.960 --> 00:03:44.520 legacy to step into. It sounds almost as if he 00:03:44.520 --> 00:03:47.479 was destined for the stage or screen in some 00:03:47.479 --> 00:03:50.139 way. But it wasn't just family influence, was 00:03:50.139 --> 00:03:52.719 it? Formal education played a pretty significant 00:03:52.719 --> 00:03:55.939 role in honing those early talents. He initially 00:03:55.939 --> 00:03:57.879 attended the Royal Russell School in Croydon, 00:03:57.939 --> 00:04:00.000 which is a more sort of traditional academic 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:01.800 setting, right? It's a standard independent school. 00:04:02.039 --> 00:04:03.939 Before making a distinct shift and moving on 00:04:03.939 --> 00:04:06.599 to the arts educational schools in London, that's 00:04:06.599 --> 00:04:08.439 quite a departure moving from standard schooling 00:04:08.439 --> 00:04:11.060 to a specialist arts education. It really is. 00:04:11.360 --> 00:04:13.199 What kind of training would those institutions 00:04:13.199 --> 00:04:15.500 have provided and how did that shape his development? 00:04:15.900 --> 00:04:18.639 Well, that transition is indeed quite significant 00:04:18.639 --> 00:04:20.939 and speaks volumes about his early commitment. 00:04:21.819 --> 00:04:23.959 Royal Russell School would have provided a solid 00:04:23.959 --> 00:04:26.819 conventional academic grounding, but the arts 00:04:26.819 --> 00:04:29.579 educational schools, often just called Arts Ed, 00:04:29.959 --> 00:04:32.420 are a different beast entirely. Right. They're 00:04:32.420 --> 00:04:35.480 specialist vocational colleges providing intensive 00:04:35.480 --> 00:04:38.680 multidisciplinary training in acting, singing, 00:04:39.019 --> 00:04:42.220 dance. The work's a full package. Exactly. For 00:04:42.220 --> 00:04:43.879 Clunes, this would have meant rigorous daily 00:04:43.879 --> 00:04:46.139 classes in voice, movement, acting technique, 00:04:46.439 --> 00:04:49.199 improvisation, maybe even stage combat or period 00:04:49.199 --> 00:04:52.399 dance. It's where raw talent meets rigorous discipline, 00:04:52.800 --> 00:04:55.139 fostering a very practical and versatile skill 00:04:55.139 --> 00:04:57.319 set. Kind of knocks it into shape. Precisely. 00:04:57.439 --> 00:05:00.480 This kind of formal specialist training is crucial 00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:03.000 for an actor, giving them the tools and confidence 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:05.980 to tackle a wide variety of roles later on. It's 00:05:05.980 --> 00:05:08.000 where you learn not just how to act, but also 00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:09.920 the professionalism and resilience required for 00:05:09.920 --> 00:05:12.300 the industry. It's tough out there. So he's got 00:05:12.300 --> 00:05:14.980 the family background, the formal training, and 00:05:14.980 --> 00:05:17.620 then it's time for the real world. What were 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:20.079 his first steps into the acting profession like? 00:05:20.160 --> 00:05:24.160 Was it instant stardom or a more typical struggle? 00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:26.709 Oh, far from instant stardom. Definitely the 00:05:26.709 --> 00:05:29.350 latter. His first professional role, which is 00:05:29.350 --> 00:05:31.470 a classic entry point for many British actors, 00:05:32.089 --> 00:05:35.050 was in Rep, short for Repertory Theatre. Ah, 00:05:35.370 --> 00:05:37.750 yes. At the Mercury Theatre in Colchester. In 00:05:37.750 --> 00:05:41.040 Rep. Actors perform a varied program of plays, 00:05:41.420 --> 00:05:44.300 often with really short rehearsal periods. It's 00:05:44.300 --> 00:05:46.240 an incredible boot camp for developing quick 00:05:46.240 --> 00:05:49.079 learning, adaptability, stage presence. Thrown 00:05:49.079 --> 00:05:51.519 in at the deep end. Absolutely. Demanding but 00:05:51.519 --> 00:05:54.300 invaluable experience. Following that, he made 00:05:54.300 --> 00:05:56.699 his first television appearance in an adaptation 00:05:56.699 --> 00:05:59.699 of Mikhail Bulgakov's The White Guard for the 00:05:59.699 --> 00:06:03.800 BBC in 1982. Okay. A year later, he appeared 00:06:03.800 --> 00:06:05.920 in the iconic science fiction series, Doctor 00:06:05.920 --> 00:06:08.620 Who, in the Peter Davison story Snake Dance in 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:11.480 1983, played a character named Lon. Right, I 00:06:11.480 --> 00:06:13.439 remember that one. Small part, but Doctor Who. 00:06:13.680 --> 00:06:15.879 Exactly. These were promising early steps, but 00:06:15.879 --> 00:06:17.920 the industry is notoriously tough. You know, 00:06:18.160 --> 00:06:20.259 work isn't always consistent. And here's where 00:06:20.259 --> 00:06:22.639 it gets really interesting, showing the less 00:06:22.639 --> 00:06:25.439 glamorous realities of an actor's early career, 00:06:25.860 --> 00:06:28.379 which I think many listeners, maybe in creative 00:06:28.379 --> 00:06:30.939 fields, can relate to. Despite landing those 00:06:30.939 --> 00:06:33.180 early TV and stage roles, his career was quite 00:06:33.180 --> 00:06:35.560 sporadic in those initial years. Very much so. 00:06:35.819 --> 00:06:37.500 What was he doing to make ends meet, and does 00:06:37.500 --> 00:06:39.779 it reveal anything surprising about his persistence? 00:06:40.220 --> 00:06:42.779 It absolutely does reveal a great deal about 00:06:42.779 --> 00:06:45.540 his persistence and adaptability. To supplement 00:06:45.540 --> 00:06:48.600 his income during this often -lean period, he 00:06:48.600 --> 00:06:51.860 actually took on work as a photo model. A model? 00:06:52.019 --> 00:06:56.220 Like fashion? Not quite fashion. For the renowned, 00:06:56.540 --> 00:06:59.579 often controversial, performance artists, Gilbert 00:06:59.579 --> 00:07:02.600 and George. Gilbert and George? Seriously? Seriously. 00:07:02.939 --> 00:07:05.220 You can even spot him in their significant 1983 00:07:05.220 --> 00:07:08.339 work, World. Wow, that is surprising. Isn't it? 00:07:08.720 --> 00:07:10.939 This is a truly surprising detail for someone 00:07:10.939 --> 00:07:13.139 who would later become such a recognizable face 00:07:13.139 --> 00:07:15.589 in mainstream television. Gilbert and George, 00:07:15.930 --> 00:07:18.449 known for their living sculptures and often provocative 00:07:18.449 --> 00:07:20.389 challenging art, were at the height of their 00:07:20.389 --> 00:07:22.790 influence in the early 80s. For Clunes to be 00:07:22.790 --> 00:07:25.230 involved with them, even just as a model, speaks 00:07:25.230 --> 00:07:27.970 to a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities 00:07:27.970 --> 00:07:30.949 outside the traditional acting sphere. It tells 00:07:30.949 --> 00:07:34.089 us he possessed a pragmatic resilience, a determination 00:07:34.089 --> 00:07:36.629 to make a living while doggedly pursuing his 00:07:36.629 --> 00:07:39.709 passion. Gotta pay the bills. Exactly. That ability 00:07:39.709 --> 00:07:42.389 to adapt and embrace diverse income streams, 00:07:42.509 --> 00:07:45.329 even if unconventional, is a hallmark of many 00:07:45.329 --> 00:07:47.410 successful actors who navigate the early career 00:07:47.410 --> 00:07:51.709 struggles. This period of a sporadic career eventually 00:07:51.709 --> 00:07:54.209 gave way to more consistent work, though. His 00:07:54.209 --> 00:07:56.670 first regular television role came as one of 00:07:56.670 --> 00:07:59.949 the sons in the BBC sitcom No Place Like Home. 00:08:00.060 --> 00:08:02.579 Ah, I remember that with William Gaunt. That's 00:08:02.579 --> 00:08:06.040 the one. It ran from 1983 to 1986. He then followed 00:08:06.040 --> 00:08:08.480 that by starring in two series of All at No 20 00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:12.000 from 1986 to 1987. OK. So these were his first 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:14.579 steady steps into the TV landscape, laying a 00:08:14.579 --> 00:08:17.740 crucial foundation. So from those early, sometimes 00:08:17.740 --> 00:08:21.079 challenging regular TV roles, we see the foundation 00:08:21.079 --> 00:08:23.240 being laid for what would become his major breakthrough. 00:08:23.860 --> 00:08:25.620 It seems like a pivotal moment arrived while 00:08:25.620 --> 00:08:27.779 he was appearing on stage at the Hampstead Theatre. 00:08:28.040 --> 00:08:30.569 That's where he met Harry Enfield. A meeting 00:08:30.569 --> 00:08:33.370 that turned into a truly significant friendship 00:08:33.370 --> 00:08:36.649 and professional collaboration. How important 00:08:36.649 --> 00:08:39.389 was that connection in shaping his trajectory? 00:08:39.830 --> 00:08:41.970 Oh, that connection with Harry Enfield was absolutely 00:08:41.970 --> 00:08:44.789 pivotal. It perfectly illustrates the power of 00:08:44.789 --> 00:08:47.309 networking and collaborative relationships in 00:08:47.309 --> 00:08:49.289 the entertainment industry. You know, right place, 00:08:49.389 --> 00:08:51.649 right time, right person. Definitely. Enfield, 00:08:52.149 --> 00:08:54.250 already a rising star in the British comedy scene, 00:08:54.909 --> 00:08:58.820 recognized Clune's comedic talent. This led to 00:08:58.820 --> 00:09:01.399 Clunes playing various characters in Enfield's 00:09:01.399 --> 00:09:04.779 hugely popular sketch shows between 1990 and 00:09:04.779 --> 00:09:07.600 1994. Right, like the Load Some Money era stuff? 00:09:07.700 --> 00:09:09.779 Well, slightly after that, but definitely in 00:09:09.779 --> 00:09:12.159 his main sketch shows. Most notably, one of the 00:09:12.159 --> 00:09:14.720 iconic rugby players. Oh, yes. Doing it, doing 00:09:14.720 --> 00:09:18.440 it. Exactly. That sketch show format was an invaluable 00:09:18.440 --> 00:09:20.799 training ground. It allowed Clunes to develop 00:09:20.799 --> 00:09:23.940 and showcase his sharp comedic timing, his versatility 00:09:23.940 --> 00:09:26.080 in embodying a range of distinct characters, 00:09:26.419 --> 00:09:29.039 and his ability to land a punchline with precision. 00:09:29.299 --> 00:09:31.960 It's a tough school, sketch comedy. Incredibly 00:09:31.960 --> 00:09:35.110 tough. working in that fast -paced creative environment 00:09:35.110 --> 00:09:38.269 with a peer like Enfield, truly honed his performance 00:09:38.269 --> 00:09:40.789 skills and broadened his comedic repertoire, 00:09:41.570 --> 00:09:43.649 building a robust foundation for what was to 00:09:43.649 --> 00:09:46.230 come. And that collaboration directly led to 00:09:46.230 --> 00:09:49.190 his most iconic comedic role, one that solidified 00:09:49.190 --> 00:09:51.960 his place in British television history. Harry 00:09:51.960 --> 00:09:54.240 Enfield, clearly impressed by Clune's abilities, 00:09:54.840 --> 00:09:56.799 recommended him for the part of Gary Strang in 00:09:56.799 --> 00:09:59.899 the BBC sitcom Men Behaving Badly. That's the 00:09:59.899 --> 00:10:02.240 story, yeah. This series, written by Simon Nye, 00:10:02.440 --> 00:10:06.659 saw Clune's star from 1992 to 1998 truly defining 00:10:06.659 --> 00:10:09.779 an era of British comedy. What made Men Behaving 00:10:09.779 --> 00:10:12.379 Badly such a cultural phenomenon, and what was 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:14.720 it about Gary Strang that resonated so deeply 00:10:14.720 --> 00:10:17.580 with audiences? Men behaving badly was an absolute 00:10:17.580 --> 00:10:20.240 cultural juggernaut, especially in 1990s Britain. 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:22.759 It really was. It was groundbreaking at the time 00:10:22.759 --> 00:10:26.000 for its unapologetically laddish humor. At word 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:28.340 laddish, it was everywhere then. It really was. 00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:30.840 It describes a sort of boisterous, often crude 00:10:30.840 --> 00:10:33.700 and immature male behavior that reveled in beer, 00:10:34.159 --> 00:10:36.059 footwall and a general aversion to growing up. 00:10:36.259 --> 00:10:38.440 The show perfectly captured the zeitgeist of 00:10:38.440 --> 00:10:40.830 a certain segment of British society. Yeah, it 00:10:40.830 --> 00:10:43.330 felt very of its time. It showcased the lives 00:10:43.330 --> 00:10:46.509 of two slovenly flatmates, Gary Strang and Tony 00:10:46.509 --> 00:10:49.370 Smart, played brilliantly by Neil Morrissey. 00:10:49.669 --> 00:10:52.330 Gary, as portrayed by Clunes, was incredibly 00:10:52.330 --> 00:10:55.169 resonant because he managed to embody a particular 00:10:55.169 --> 00:10:58.299 archetype of the British male. flawed, often 00:10:58.299 --> 00:11:01.399 lazy, perpetually resistant to adult responsibility, 00:11:01.899 --> 00:11:04.399 yet somehow ultimately endearing. He wasn't just 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:07.700 a caricature, though. No, exactly. Kloon's performance 00:11:07.700 --> 00:11:10.340 brought a depth and a subtle vulnerability to 00:11:10.340 --> 00:11:12.120 Gary that prevented him from becoming a mere 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:15.110 caricature. The show's success wasn't just about 00:11:15.110 --> 00:11:16.990 the sharp writing. It was about the undeniable 00:11:16.990 --> 00:11:19.590 chemistry between the cast, especially Clunes 00:11:19.590 --> 00:11:22.330 and Morrissey and Leslie Ash and Caroline Quentin. 00:11:22.909 --> 00:11:25.110 And Clunes' seamless transition from a supporting 00:11:25.110 --> 00:11:28.190 sketch player to a leading sitcom actor was remarkable. 00:11:28.669 --> 00:11:30.929 He truly owned that character. And the show wasn't 00:11:30.929 --> 00:11:33.129 just popular with audiences, was it? It also 00:11:33.129 --> 00:11:35.450 garnered some significant critical acclaim for 00:11:35.450 --> 00:11:38.120 Clunes himself. Absolutely. His portrayal of 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:40.320 Gary Strang brought him significant critical 00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:42.679 recognition, underscoring the quality of his 00:11:42.679 --> 00:11:44.960 comedic performance. He won a British Comedy 00:11:44.960 --> 00:11:48.559 Award for Top TV Comedy Actor in 1995. And then 00:11:48.559 --> 00:11:52.139 a year later, a prestigious British Academy Television 00:11:52.139 --> 00:11:55.179 Award, a BAFTA for Best Comedy Performance in 00:11:55.179 --> 00:11:59.539 1996. Wow, a BAFTA. That's huge. It really is. 00:12:00.059 --> 00:12:02.039 For those familiar with the show, you'll vividly 00:12:02.039 --> 00:12:04.460 remember the sheer hilarity and often cringe 00:12:04.460 --> 00:12:06.820 -worthy situations Gary and Tony found themselves 00:12:06.820 --> 00:12:09.100 in, whether it was their disastrous attempts 00:12:09.100 --> 00:12:12.799 at DIY, their questionable dating lives, or their 00:12:12.799 --> 00:12:15.259 endless quest for the perfect pint. The sofa 00:12:15.259 --> 00:12:18.259 scenes. Legendary. Absolutely. For those who 00:12:18.259 --> 00:12:20.600 aren't, imagine a show that perfectly encapsulated 00:12:20.600 --> 00:12:22.860 a certain kind of male camaraderie and arrested 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:25.159 development, pushing the boundaries of what was 00:12:25.159 --> 00:12:28.100 acceptable on primetime TV with its witty dialogue 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:30.679 and relatable, if somewhat exaggerated characters. 00:12:31.259 --> 00:12:33.159 It was a cultural touchstone that many still 00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:35.899 quote today. So with men behaving badly, making 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:38.080 him a household name, did he just stick to comedy? 00:12:38.409 --> 00:12:40.750 Or was he actively trying to branch out and showcase 00:12:40.750 --> 00:12:42.889 a different side of his talent, sort of avoid 00:12:42.889 --> 00:12:44.889 the typecasting trap? He was definitely expanding 00:12:44.889 --> 00:12:47.750 his horizons, yeah. Very smart move. Even during 00:12:47.750 --> 00:12:49.830 and immediately after his time as Gary Strang, 00:12:50.190 --> 00:12:52.230 Clunes was actively involved in a range of other 00:12:52.230 --> 00:12:55.149 projects across different mediums. OK. A clear 00:12:55.149 --> 00:12:57.389 indication of a strategic career progression 00:12:57.389 --> 00:13:00.730 designed to avoid being typecast after such a 00:13:00.730 --> 00:13:04.000 defining comedic role. For instance, he played 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:07.019 Group Captain Barker in the two -part TV mini 00:13:07.019 --> 00:13:09.860 -series over here in 1996. Right, that was a 00:13:09.860 --> 00:13:12.659 drama, wasn't it? About GIs and Britain. Exactly, 00:13:12.820 --> 00:13:15.799 a period drama. Before that, he was Dick Dobson 00:13:15.799 --> 00:13:19.679 in Demob in 1993, a series focusing on demobilized 00:13:19.679 --> 00:13:22.379 soldiers adjusting to civilian life after the 00:13:22.379 --> 00:13:25.389 war. These roles already hinted at his capacity 00:13:25.389 --> 00:13:27.549 for more dramatic or nuanced character work. 00:13:27.769 --> 00:13:29.850 And he wasn't just doing scripted drama, was 00:13:29.850 --> 00:13:32.169 he? He also became a familiar face in a different 00:13:32.169 --> 00:13:34.250 kind of television setting. That's right. He 00:13:34.250 --> 00:13:36.549 became a frequent and very welcome presence on 00:13:36.549 --> 00:13:39.309 the BBC One panel show. Have I got news for you? 00:13:39.649 --> 00:13:41.909 Yes, he was great on that, as a guest host too. 00:13:42.110 --> 00:13:43.909 Yes, appearing as a panelist or guest presenter 00:13:43.909 --> 00:13:47.190 since 1994. This was a smart move. It allowed 00:13:47.190 --> 00:13:49.710 him to showcase his natural wit, quick intelligence, 00:13:49.929 --> 00:13:51.909 and engaging personality outside of his scripted 00:13:51.909 --> 00:13:54.309 character, proving his appeal extended beyond 00:13:54.309 --> 00:13:56.370 specific roles. Showed the real him a bit more. 00:13:56.710 --> 00:13:59.289 Kind of, yeah. He also ventured into early film 00:13:59.289 --> 00:14:01.909 roles, playing Brock in the espionage thriller 00:14:01.909 --> 00:14:05.309 The Russia House in 1990, alongside Sean Connery 00:14:05.309 --> 00:14:07.809 and Michelle Pfeiffer. Wow, big names. And a 00:14:07.809 --> 00:14:09.889 role in the ensemble comedy Carry On Columbus 00:14:09.889 --> 00:14:14.009 in 1992. Plus, he acted frequently for radio, 00:14:14.350 --> 00:14:16.750 including a guest appearance in the popular BBC 00:14:16.750 --> 00:14:20.389 Radio 4 detective series Baldi. Right? This willingness 00:14:20.389 --> 00:14:23.710 to explore TV, film, radio, and even panel shows 00:14:23.710 --> 00:14:26.250 truly highlights his growing versatility and 00:14:26.250 --> 00:14:29.190 adaptability as an actor. He was diligently laying 00:14:29.190 --> 00:14:31.710 the groundwork for an incredibly diverse and 00:14:31.710 --> 00:14:34.070 enduring career, demonstrating he was much more 00:14:34.070 --> 00:14:36.710 than just the lad for men behaving badly. Building 00:14:36.710 --> 00:14:39.169 on that incredible versatility we just discussed, 00:14:39.409 --> 00:14:41.529 Martin Clunes truly broadened his range in the 00:14:41.529 --> 00:14:45.070 early 2000s, embracing a series of key dramatic 00:14:45.070 --> 00:14:47.389 and lead television roles that proved he could 00:14:47.389 --> 00:14:50.139 excel far beyond. on pure comedy. Yeah, a really 00:14:50.139 --> 00:14:52.419 interesting period. In 2001, for example, he 00:14:52.419 --> 00:14:54.620 took on the role of Captain Stickles in the BBC 00:14:54.620 --> 00:14:57.399 adaptation of Lorna Dune, a classic period drama 00:14:57.399 --> 00:15:00.179 based on the novel. Proper costume drama. Then, 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:03.139 in 2002, he tackled the incredibly challenging 00:15:03.139 --> 00:15:05.860 and dark part of serial killer John George Hay 00:15:05.860 --> 00:15:09.059 in the Yorkshire TV production. A is for acid. 00:15:09.139 --> 00:15:11.710 That was chilling. A real departure. before taking 00:15:11.710 --> 00:15:14.649 the lead in ITV's beloved adaptation of Goodbye, 00:15:14.730 --> 00:15:16.970 Mr. Chips. That's quite a spectrum of characters 00:15:16.970 --> 00:15:19.470 right there, isn't it? It truly is. What's striking 00:15:19.470 --> 00:15:22.169 here is the sheer range required for these roles, 00:15:22.590 --> 00:15:24.789 showcasing a remarkable breadth in his acting 00:15:24.789 --> 00:15:27.830 abilities. Moving from a historical romantic 00:15:27.830 --> 00:15:30.490 drama like Lorna Dune, where he had to embody 00:15:30.490 --> 00:15:33.470 a certain period formality and heroism, to a 00:15:33.470 --> 00:15:36.149 chilling true crime portrayal of a real life 00:15:36.149 --> 00:15:39.889 serial killer in AOJA is for Atheid a role demanding 00:15:39.889 --> 00:15:42.230 immense psychological depth and restraint. Very 00:15:42.230 --> 00:15:44.990 subtle performance that one. And then immediately 00:15:44.990 --> 00:15:47.370 to a deeply empathetic and gentle character like 00:15:47.370 --> 00:15:50.710 Mr. Chips truly allowed Clunes to showcase a 00:15:50.710 --> 00:15:52.529 completely different more serious side of his 00:15:52.529 --> 00:15:55.149 acting abilities. These were deliberate choices 00:15:55.149 --> 00:15:57.909 consciously moving away from the purely comedic 00:15:57.909 --> 00:16:00.129 demonstrating his profound capacity for dramatic 00:16:00.129 --> 00:16:02.929 depth and character transformation. And he worked 00:16:02.929 --> 00:16:05.419 with Julie Graham around them too. Yes, in Dirty 00:16:05.419 --> 00:16:08.039 Tricks in 2000, and that collaboration then led 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:10.120 to them being the eponymous leads in William 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:13.679 and Mary from 2003 to 2005. Playing a couple, 00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:16.460 navigating the complexities of marriage and relationships. 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:20.580 These roles really cemented his status as a versatile 00:16:20.580 --> 00:16:23.240 leading man capable of carrying various genres. 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:25.919 And this journey of versatility ultimately led 00:16:25.919 --> 00:16:28.659 him to arguably his most recognized and endearing 00:16:28.659 --> 00:16:30.860 role, a character that many people instantly 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:33.759 associate with Martin Clunes. Dr. Martin Ellingham 00:16:33.769 --> 00:16:36.789 in the ITV comedy drama series, Doc Martin. Ah, 00:16:36.830 --> 00:16:39.009 Doc Martin, the role. He played this lead role 00:16:39.009 --> 00:16:42.570 from 2004 until its conclusion in 2022, a truly 00:16:42.570 --> 00:16:45.750 remarkable run spanning nearly two decades. What 00:16:45.750 --> 00:16:47.549 made Doc Martin such an enduring phenomenon, 00:16:47.649 --> 00:16:50.049 and what was it about Dr. Ellingham that captivated 00:16:50.049 --> 00:16:52.669 audiences for so long? Doc Martin's enduring 00:16:52.669 --> 00:16:55.070 popularity is, well, without exaggeration, a 00:16:55.070 --> 00:16:57.990 phenomenon. The character of Dr. Martin Ellingham... 00:16:57.870 --> 00:17:00.830 A brilliant but socially inept vascular surgeon 00:17:00.830 --> 00:17:04.190 who, due to a fear of blood, moves to the picturesque, 00:17:04.289 --> 00:17:06.210 quirky Cornish village of Port Wind to become 00:17:06.210 --> 00:17:09.309 a GP was so compelling because of Clune's masterful 00:17:09.309 --> 00:17:11.329 portrayal. He just inhabited that role, didn't 00:17:11.329 --> 00:17:14.990 he? Completely. He perfectly balanced the character's 00:17:14.990 --> 00:17:17.569 intellectual prowess with his complete lack of 00:17:17.569 --> 00:17:20.890 bedside manner and social graces. Martin L &M 00:17:20.890 --> 00:17:24.769 was... Famously, curmudgeonly, often rude, utterly 00:17:24.769 --> 00:17:27.250 devoid of small talk. Socially awkward doesn't 00:17:27.250 --> 00:17:30.549 even cover it. Not even close. Yet, Clunes managed 00:17:30.549 --> 00:17:33.009 to infuse him with a vulnerability and underlying 00:17:33.009 --> 00:17:35.529 integrity that made him incredibly endearing. 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:38.940 The show's brilliance lay in this blend of comedy, 00:17:39.359 --> 00:17:41.380 often derived from his awkward interactions and 00:17:41.380 --> 00:17:44.079 genuine drama, exploring the lives of the eccentric 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:46.660 village inhabitants and the Doctor's own personal 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:49.220 struggles. It's interesting how a character with 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:51.940 such a, well, difficult personality could become 00:17:51.940 --> 00:17:54.740 so beloved over such a long time. What was the 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:57.079 secret ingredient, do you think? That's the magic, 00:17:57.180 --> 00:17:59.400 isn't it? I think the secret was in the nuanced 00:17:59.400 --> 00:18:02.059 performance Cleen's delivered. He never played 00:18:02.059 --> 00:18:04.539 Ellingham as purely unlikable. There was always 00:18:04.539 --> 00:18:06.579 a sense that his brusqueness came from a place 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:09.279 of social discomfort rather than malice. You 00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:11.849 sort of felt sorry for him sometimes. Exactly. 00:18:12.349 --> 00:18:14.390 Viewers could root for him, hoping he'd find 00:18:14.390 --> 00:18:16.369 happiness and overcome his personal hurdles, 00:18:16.750 --> 00:18:19.509 particularly in his complex, on -off relationship 00:18:19.509 --> 00:18:22.049 with Louisa Glassin, played by Caroline Katz. 00:18:22.049 --> 00:18:24.390 Their chemistry was fantastic. And the stunning 00:18:24.390 --> 00:18:26.670 Cornish setting of Port Isaac, which doubled 00:18:26.670 --> 00:18:29.210 as Portwyn, also became almost a character in 00:18:29.210 --> 00:18:31.769 itself, adding immense charm and a sense of escapism. 00:18:32.579 --> 00:18:35.960 The show's incredibly long run suggests a deep 00:18:35.960 --> 00:18:38.200 and lasting connection with audiences who fell 00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:40.519 in love with both the character and the world 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:42.380 he inhabited. And it wasn't the first time you 00:18:42.380 --> 00:18:44.700 played a Doc Martin, was it? Ah, good point. 00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:46.920 No, the character actually originated, albeit 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:49.720 slightly differently, as Dr. Martin Bamford in 00:18:49.720 --> 00:18:52.519 the 2000 film Saving Grace. Right, the Brenda 00:18:52.519 --> 00:18:54.880 Blessen film. That's the one. A more overtly 00:18:54.880 --> 00:18:57.079 comedic portrayal. Then there was a follow -up 00:18:57.079 --> 00:18:59.940 to Sky Pictures TV film, titled Doc Martin in 00:18:59.940 --> 00:19:02.799 2001, and another Doc Martin, The Legend of the 00:19:02.799 --> 00:19:05.440 Clutie, in 2003, before being adapted into the 00:19:05.440 --> 00:19:08.079 beloved ITV series we know, starting in 2004. 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:10.819 So it evolved quite a bit. It really did. The 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:12.900 series itself earned a British Comedy Award for 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:16.519 Best TV Comedy Drama in 2004, right at the start 00:19:16.519 --> 00:19:19.589 of its run, signaling its immediate impact. For 00:19:19.589 --> 00:19:21.170 you, the listener, consider what it is about 00:19:21.170 --> 00:19:23.970 a character like Dr. Ellingham, despite his social 00:19:23.970 --> 00:19:26.609 awkwardness that could capture hearts and maintain 00:19:26.609 --> 00:19:28.890 such a loyal following for almost two decades. 00:19:29.450 --> 00:19:32.049 It speaks volumes about Clune's ability to infuse 00:19:32.049 --> 00:19:35.210 humanity into even the most complex and outwardly 00:19:35.210 --> 00:19:37.450 prickly personality. And even with Doc Martin 00:19:37.450 --> 00:19:40.309 being such a defining, long -running role, Clune's 00:19:40.309 --> 00:19:42.549 has continued to maintain an incredibly prolific 00:19:42.549 --> 00:19:45.250 acting career across various formats, showing 00:19:45.250 --> 00:19:47.549 absolutely no signs of slowing down or resting 00:19:47.549 --> 00:19:50.160 on his laurels. He just keeps taking on new and 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:52.920 diverse challenges. He truly does. And this is 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:55.299 a testament to his continued demand and his genuine 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:57.900 boundless passion for the craft of acting. We've 00:19:57.900 --> 00:20:00.700 seen him star in the ITV TVNZ co -production, 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:03.400 The Man Who Lost His Head back in 2007. Right, 00:20:03.559 --> 00:20:06.460 set in New Zealand. Exactly. Between 2009 and 00:20:06.460 --> 00:20:08.880 2010, he took on the title role of Reggie Perrin 00:20:08.880 --> 00:20:11.920 in the BBC One remake of The Fall and Rise of 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:14.220 Reginald Perrin. Big shoes to fill there, Leonard 00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:17.400 Rossiter. Huge shoes. But he famously took that 00:20:17.400 --> 00:20:20.160 role. because, as he put it, and I quote, it 00:20:20.160 --> 00:20:23.299 was just so funny I couldn't turn it down, which 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:25.720 highlights his continued appreciation for well 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:27.960 -written comedy. Fair enough. He then moved into 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:30.640 historical drama, playing the iconic Sir Arthur 00:20:30.640 --> 00:20:34.160 Conan Doyle in Arthur and George in 2015. Oh, 00:20:34.259 --> 00:20:36.299 that was excellent, based on the Julian Barnes 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:38.319 novel. That's right, based on the real -life 00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:40.599 events of Conan Doyle investigating a miscarriage 00:20:40.599 --> 00:20:44.309 of justice. More recently, he earned huge critical 00:20:44.309 --> 00:20:48.210 acclaim as DCI Colin Sutton in the gripping ITV 00:20:48.210 --> 00:20:52.029 drama, Man Hunt. Yes, 2019 and 2021. Those were 00:20:52.029 --> 00:20:54.609 intense. Incredibly intense based on real life 00:20:54.609 --> 00:20:57.089 murder investigations showcasing his immense 00:20:57.089 --> 00:20:59.910 dramatic prowess as a modern detective miles 00:20:59.910 --> 00:21:02.029 away from the Cornish doctor. He even returned 00:21:02.029 --> 00:21:05.049 to sitcom with the BBC one series Warren in 2019 00:21:05.049 --> 00:21:07.609 playing a grumpy driving instructor. Didn't last 00:21:07.609 --> 00:21:09.789 long. That one did it. No, only one series, but 00:21:09.789 --> 00:21:13.000 it still showed his enduring. He's incredibly 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:15.420 active on TV. What about his filmography during 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:17.559 this period? Has he kept his hand in with movies? 00:21:17.940 --> 00:21:21.539 He has, yeah. His filmography is also quite extensive, 00:21:21.880 --> 00:21:24.220 beyond those early roles we mentioned. He played 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:27.079 the celebrated actor Richard Burdage in the critically 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:29.099 acclaimed Oscar -winning Shakespeare in Love 00:21:29.099 --> 00:21:32.339 back in 1998. Great role in a great film. Fantastic 00:21:32.339 --> 00:21:35.259 role with an amazing ensemble cast. He was Anthony 00:21:35.259 --> 00:21:37.759 Stax in Billing in Sweet Revenge. In the same 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:40.740 year, a dark comedy. He appeared as James Chancellor 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:44.359 in Global Heresy in 2002. A comedy about a British 00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:47.000 rock band touring Canada. Bit more obscure, that 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:50.059 one. A bit, yeah. And for family audiences, he 00:21:50.059 --> 00:21:52.619 appeared in Nativity 3. Dude, where's my donkey? 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:55.700 in 2014. Right, keeping it varied. Absolutely. 00:21:56.279 --> 00:21:58.380 Yeah. Looking ahead, he has an upcoming 2025 00:21:58.380 --> 00:22:01.160 role as a farmer affected by county lines, drug 00:22:01.160 --> 00:22:03.680 gangs and the ITV drama out there. Oh, that sounds 00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:05.940 gritty. Yeah, seems like another serious turn 00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:08.279 and a role in the upcoming film Mother's Pride. 00:22:09.220 --> 00:22:11.140 So these roles, ranging from historical figures 00:22:11.140 --> 00:22:12.900 to contemporary characters and comedic leaves 00:22:12.900 --> 00:22:15.440 across film and television, further solidify 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:18.319 his reputation for adaptability and a truly wide 00:22:18.319 --> 00:22:21.019 ranging talent. He clearly isn't one to shy away 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:23.180 from diverse challenges, consistently seeking 00:22:23.180 --> 00:22:25.660 out new stories and characters to inhabit. Now, 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:27.819 Martin Clunes isn't just a familiar face we see 00:22:27.819 --> 00:22:31.130 on screen. He also possesses a really distinctive 00:22:31.130 --> 00:22:33.809 voice that has led to a significant number of 00:22:33.809 --> 00:22:36.369 voice acting roles. This is another layer of 00:22:36.369 --> 00:22:38.769 his remarkable versatility that many listeners 00:22:38.769 --> 00:22:41.069 might not immediately connect to his on -screen 00:22:41.069 --> 00:22:43.470 persona. It's true. His voice quality is quite 00:22:43.470 --> 00:22:45.630 unique, isn't it? It lends itself so well to 00:22:45.630 --> 00:22:48.690 these roles. It's warm, authoritative, yet also 00:22:48.690 --> 00:22:51.009 capable of great character and humor. Definitely. 00:22:51.410 --> 00:22:53.750 He is, for instance, the instantly recognizable 00:22:53.750 --> 00:22:57.009 voice of Kipper in the beloved animated children's 00:22:57.009 --> 00:23:00.410 series. Kipper the dog. Oh, Kipper. My kids loved 00:23:00.410 --> 00:23:04.369 Kipper. Exactly. Ran from 1997 to 2000. He perfectly 00:23:04.369 --> 00:23:06.630 captured the gentle and curious nature of the 00:23:06.630 --> 00:23:09.250 titular dog. He also voiced stripey and little 00:23:09.250 --> 00:23:12.869 robots from 2003 to 2005. Right. And commercially, 00:23:13.269 --> 00:23:16.609 for a solid six years, from 1993 to 1999, he 00:23:16.609 --> 00:23:18.950 was the voice of Harry in Safeway's incredibly 00:23:18.950 --> 00:23:21.849 memorable When Harry Met Molly advertising campaign. 00:23:21.970 --> 00:23:23.910 Oh, wow. I remember those ads. They were everywhere. 00:23:24.390 --> 00:23:27.680 Weren't they just? That campaign became a cultural 00:23:27.680 --> 00:23:30.819 touchstone in British advertising, largely thanks 00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:34.039 to his engaging vocal presence. And in 2011, 00:23:34.140 --> 00:23:36.539 he lent his voice to the mischievous dog Dudley 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:39.140 in the short film Me or the Dog. He does dog 00:23:39.140 --> 00:23:42.279 voice well. He really does. Voice acting is quite 00:23:42.279 --> 00:23:44.359 different from on -screen performance. It requires 00:23:44.359 --> 00:23:46.880 a unique set of skills to convey emotion and 00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:49.700 character purely through vocal inflections, without 00:23:49.700 --> 00:23:52.119 the benefit of facial expressions or body language. 00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:55.839 His longevity in success in advertising, in particular, 00:23:56.400 --> 00:23:58.640 speak volumes about his broad appeal and the 00:23:58.640 --> 00:24:01.180 trustworthy, amiable quality of his vocal presence. 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:03.720 It's fascinating how that connection to animals 00:24:03.720 --> 00:24:05.980 and the natural world, which we can hear in his 00:24:05.980 --> 00:24:08.380 voice work like Kipper and Dudley, isn't just 00:24:08.380 --> 00:24:10.839 a casual interest for him. It truly blossoms 00:24:10.839 --> 00:24:14.559 into a major defining theme of his career, especially 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:17.039 as he becomes a prolific documentary presenter 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:19.299 and narrator. It's almost like he found a new 00:24:19.299 --> 00:24:21.690 calling when you say. Indeed, this is where we 00:24:21.690 --> 00:24:24.490 see his genuine curiosity and profound passion 00:24:24.490 --> 00:24:27.910 extend far beyond the realm of acting. He has 00:24:27.910 --> 00:24:29.809 fronted and narrated numerous documentaries, 00:24:30.329 --> 00:24:32.970 often focusing on animals, the environment, and 00:24:32.970 --> 00:24:35.710 travel, allowing him to explore topics he genuinely 00:24:35.710 --> 00:24:38.410 cares about deeply rather than just, you know, 00:24:38.549 --> 00:24:41.369 taking on a script. It feels authentic. Completely. 00:24:42.130 --> 00:24:44.730 This isn't merely a presenting gig. It's an authentic 00:24:44.730 --> 00:24:47.750 exploration. For instance, back in 2008, he presented 00:24:47.750 --> 00:24:51.640 Martin Clune's A Man and His Dogs. a deeply personal 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:54.359 look at his lifelong passion for canines and 00:24:54.359 --> 00:24:56.359 their unique bond with humans. Right, because 00:24:56.359 --> 00:24:59.000 he's a huge dog lover. Massive. He then went 00:24:59.000 --> 00:25:00.960 on to narrate the popular Secret Life of Dogs 00:25:00.960 --> 00:25:04.220 in 2013, followed by Secret Life of Cats and 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:07.299 Secret Life of Babies in 24 time, exploring the 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:09.259 hidden behaviors of these fascinating creatures. 00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:11.160 He seems to have a real knack for making those 00:25:11.160 --> 00:25:13.380 topics incredibly accessible and engaging. He 00:25:13.380 --> 00:25:15.640 doesn't talk down to you. He absolutely does. 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:18.140 His animal -focused work continued with Martin 00:25:18.140 --> 00:25:21.180 Clunes and a lion called Mug. in 2014, where 00:25:21.180 --> 00:25:23.240 he traveled to Kenya to track and learn about 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:26.059 a magnificent lion. A really moving and insightful 00:25:26.059 --> 00:25:28.359 look into wildlife conservation. Then there was 00:25:28.359 --> 00:25:31.640 Man and Beast with Martin Clunes in 2015, Britain's 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:34.839 favorite dogs in 2016, and most recently Martin 00:25:34.839 --> 00:25:38.920 Clunes, a dog called Laura in 2023, which explored 00:25:38.920 --> 00:25:41.180 the incredible bond between a disabled woman 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:44.680 and her assistant's dog. Oh, lovely. These documentaries 00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:47.279 are not just about presenting facts. They're 00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:49.599 characterized by his warm, empathetic and often 00:25:49.599 --> 00:25:52.400 humorous approach, making complex or distant 00:25:52.400 --> 00:25:54.539 subjects feel immediate and relatable to the 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:57.670 viewer. This personal connection brings an undeniable 00:25:57.670 --> 00:26:00.589 authenticity to these presenting roles, transforming 00:26:00.589 --> 00:26:03.509 them from mere narrations into passionate educational 00:26:03.509 --> 00:26:05.990 journeys. And beyond just animals, he's also 00:26:05.990 --> 00:26:08.069 taken us on incredible journeys through his travel 00:26:08.069 --> 00:26:10.289 and exploration documentaries, truly showing 00:26:10.289 --> 00:26:13.170 a global curiosity. It's not just dogs and lions. 00:26:13.309 --> 00:26:16.109 No, he has. And this extensive list truly highlights 00:26:16.109 --> 00:26:18.450 how his amiable persona translates beautifully 00:26:18.450 --> 00:26:21.269 to a documentary host. He makes complex subjects 00:26:21.269 --> 00:26:23.769 accessible and engaging, allowing his genuine 00:26:23.769 --> 00:26:26.279 interest to shine through. He presented Islands 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:29.099 of Britain in 2009, taking viewers on a journey 00:26:29.099 --> 00:26:31.180 to discover the unique histories and cultures 00:26:31.180 --> 00:26:33.779 of various British Isles. I loved that series. 00:26:34.339 --> 00:26:37.240 Then, demonstrating his specific passion, he 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:39.900 produced Horsepower in 2010 and Heavy Horsepower 00:26:39.900 --> 00:26:42.839 in 2013. Ah, the heavy horses. We'll come back 00:26:42.839 --> 00:26:45.849 to that. We will. Delving into man's centuries 00:26:45.849 --> 00:26:48.549 -old relationship with horses, particularly the 00:26:48.549 --> 00:26:51.730 magnificent heavy horses he himself keeps, he 00:26:51.730 --> 00:26:54.009 journeyed across the globe from man to manta 00:26:54.009 --> 00:26:57.210 in 2011, exploring the world of manta rays and 00:26:57.210 --> 00:27:00.069 the lemurs of Madagascar in 2012, highlighting 00:27:00.069 --> 00:27:03.230 the plight of these unique primates. Really diverse 00:27:03.230 --> 00:27:05.769 locations. Incredibly diverse. More recently, 00:27:05.809 --> 00:27:07.710 he's taken us to remote corners of the world 00:27:07.710 --> 00:27:10.630 with Islands of Australia in 2016, Islands of 00:27:10.630 --> 00:27:13.269 America in 2019, and Islands of the Pacific in 00:27:13.269 --> 00:27:17.049 2022, with a second series in 2024, delving into 00:27:17.049 --> 00:27:19.349 the diverse ecosystems and cultures of island 00:27:19.349 --> 00:27:21.490 communities. He must have amazing air miles. 00:27:21.710 --> 00:27:25.119 Must do. And looking forward... We had Mel Gidroyk 00:27:25.119 --> 00:27:26.920 and Martin Clunes explore Britain by the book 00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:29.039 from 2023, where he explored Britain through 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:31.519 literary connections. Then there's Neil Martin's 00:27:31.519 --> 00:27:35.039 Bon Voyage in 2025, with his men behaving badly. 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:37.759 Co -star Neil Morrissey. Oh, Gary and Tony back 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:40.960 together. Should be fun. And Islands of the Atlantic, 00:27:41.140 --> 00:27:44.789 also slated for 2025. These projects demonstrate 00:27:44.789 --> 00:27:47.450 a consistent drive to explore, learn, and share 00:27:47.450 --> 00:27:49.849 knowledge about the world's natural wonders and 00:27:49.849 --> 00:27:51.930 diverse cultures. He's also provided general 00:27:51.930 --> 00:27:54.730 narration for several historical and observational 00:27:54.730 --> 00:27:56.950 series, showcasing that distinctive voice again. 00:27:57.150 --> 00:27:59.410 That's right. His voice, with its inherent warmth 00:27:59.410 --> 00:28:02.029 and authority, is perfectly suited for narration 00:28:02.029 --> 00:28:04.750 that requires a trustworthy and engaging tone. 00:28:05.390 --> 00:28:08.450 He narrated Kids with Cameras, Diary of a Children's 00:28:08.450 --> 00:28:10.829 Ward in 2014, giving a sensitive voice to the 00:28:10.829 --> 00:28:13.559 experiences of young patients. He also lent his 00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:15.779 voice to nostalgic retrospectives on classic 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:18.460 British comedy, like Carry On Forever in 2015, 00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:21.839 Rising Dam Forever in 2016, More Cam and Wise 00:28:21.839 --> 00:28:24.599 Forever in 2017, and Tommy Cooper Forever, also 00:28:24.599 --> 00:28:27.480 in 2017, celebrating the legacies of these iconic 00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:30.099 figures. He clearly loves classic British comedy. 00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:33.180 Seems so. He also narrated Secrets of Growing 00:28:33.180 --> 00:28:36.720 Old and Secrets of Growing Up in 2016. These 00:28:36.720 --> 00:28:39.460 roles further underscore his broad appeal and 00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:42.160 a voice recognized for its ability to both inform 00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:45.440 and comfort. It's clear that this entire facet 00:28:45.440 --> 00:28:48.500 of his career is far more than just work. It's 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:51.220 an extension of his authentic curiosity and personal 00:28:51.220 --> 00:28:54.099 values. As we've seen, Martin Clone's career 00:28:54.099 --> 00:28:57.140 is incredibly diverse and expansive, but it's 00:28:57.140 --> 00:28:58.839 equally important to look at the foundations 00:28:58.839 --> 00:29:01.420 of his personal life, which often seem to inform 00:29:01.420 --> 00:29:04.000 his professional choices and public persona. 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:06.039 Absolutely. The two are often linked. He was 00:29:06.039 --> 00:29:08.880 first married to actress Lucy Astin in 1990, 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:12.380 a marriage that ended in divorce in 1997. Later 00:29:12.380 --> 00:29:14.740 that same year, he married Philippa Braithwaite. 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:17.420 Producer. Right, who would go on to become a 00:29:17.420 --> 00:29:20.039 highly successful television producer, including, 00:29:20.180 --> 00:29:22.400 crucially, producing Doc Martin. They had a daughter 00:29:22.400 --> 00:29:25.339 together in 1999. It seems this period brought 00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:27.380 a significant shift in his personal life and 00:29:27.380 --> 00:29:30.160 stability. It certainly appears that way. This 00:29:30.160 --> 00:29:32.880 move towards a stable family life and a quieter, 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:36.059 more rural existence seems to have been incredibly 00:29:36.059 --> 00:29:39.619 grounding for him. As of 2013, Clunes and his 00:29:39.619 --> 00:29:42.099 family live in Beemanster, a picturesque market 00:29:42.099 --> 00:29:44.759 town in Dorset in the southwest of England. Proper 00:29:44.759 --> 00:29:47.660 countryside. Oh yeah. There, they don't just 00:29:47.660 --> 00:29:50.059 reside, they actively run a working farm with 00:29:50.059 --> 00:29:53.380 heavy horses. This detail about heavy horses 00:29:53.380 --> 00:29:55.559 is particularly interesting because it directly 00:29:55.559 --> 00:29:57.319 connects back to his horsepower documentaries 00:29:57.319 --> 00:29:59.039 we mentioned. It's not just a hobby, though. 00:29:59.380 --> 00:30:02.140 No, it's not a passing fancy. It's a deep, hands 00:30:02.140 --> 00:30:05.680 -on commitment. Living this rural life away from 00:30:05.680 --> 00:30:07.819 the immediate buzz and relentless demands of 00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:10.720 London or LA appears to profoundly influence 00:30:10.720 --> 00:30:13.220 his toys of projects, especially his documentaries 00:30:13.220 --> 00:30:15.980 about nature and animals. It grounds his public 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:18.779 persona in genuine lived experience. It's not 00:30:18.779 --> 00:30:21.119 just a job, but an extension of his everyday 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:23.839 life and passions, adding immense authenticity 00:30:23.839 --> 00:30:26.720 to his work in these areas. That deep connection 00:30:26.720 --> 00:30:29.240 to community, animals, and the natural world, 00:30:29.279 --> 00:30:32.119 which we see in his personal life, also translates 00:30:32.119 --> 00:30:35.480 into significant charitable work. Martin Clumes 00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:37.920 is a sponsor and patron of numerous charities, 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:40.500 particularly those focused on animal welfare 00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:43.569 and local community support. He really does seem 00:30:43.569 --> 00:30:46.490 to genuinely use his platform for good, going 00:30:46.490 --> 00:30:49.529 beyond just, you know, lending his name. He genuinely 00:30:49.529 --> 00:30:52.630 does. This demonstrates a profound and consistent 00:30:52.630 --> 00:30:55.390 commitment to leveraging his public profile for 00:30:55.390 --> 00:30:58.289 the benefit of others. His involvement is incredibly 00:30:58.289 --> 00:31:01.029 broad and deeply personal. For instance, he made 00:31:01.029 --> 00:31:03.690 a poignant online film with Stephen Fry for the 00:31:03.690 --> 00:31:05.930 Terrence Higgins Trust. Right, the HIV charity. 00:31:06.170 --> 00:31:08.170 Exactly, raising crucial awareness about HIV 00:31:08.170 --> 00:31:10.690 discrimination. Closer to his home in Dorset, 00:31:10.869 --> 00:31:13.170 he actively supports the Weldmar Hospice Care 00:31:13.170 --> 00:31:16.009 Trust and is a dedicated patron of Julia's House, 00:31:16.390 --> 00:31:18.289 the Dorset and Wiltshire Children's Hospice. 00:31:18.410 --> 00:31:21.009 Very important local causes. Incredibly important. 00:31:21.309 --> 00:31:23.289 In fact, his own annual event, Buckham Fair, 00:31:23.609 --> 00:31:25.730 which is a traditional country fair featuring 00:31:25.730 --> 00:31:28.069 horse and dog shows. Ah, the fair. I've heard 00:31:28.069 --> 00:31:31.730 of that. Is organized specifically to raise substantial 00:31:31.730 --> 00:31:34.130 funds for these local charities. It's a huge 00:31:34.130 --> 00:31:36.809 event locally. That's a really hands -on commitment 00:31:36.809 --> 00:31:39.789 to local causes, but his philanthropy stretches 00:31:39.789 --> 00:31:42.650 beyond Dorset, doesn't it? Absolutely. His compassion 00:31:42.650 --> 00:31:45.630 extends globally. In 2011, he became a patron 00:31:45.630 --> 00:31:48.970 of animal care in Egypt. ACE, an organization 00:31:48.970 --> 00:31:50.650 providing veterinary care to working animals 00:31:50.650 --> 00:31:53.490 and Luxor, highlighting his concern for animal 00:31:53.490 --> 00:31:55.769 welfare in challenging circumstances. Right. 00:31:56.150 --> 00:31:58.569 He's also a staunch supporter of the Dog Rescue 00:31:58.569 --> 00:32:01.529 Federation, an umbrella organization for various 00:32:01.529 --> 00:32:04.450 rescue charities. Furthermore, he's been involved 00:32:04.450 --> 00:32:07.190 with Comic Relief, contributing to funding for 00:32:07.190 --> 00:32:09.329 organizations like Survival International and 00:32:09.329 --> 00:32:11.769 African Initiatives, both of which work with 00:32:11.769 --> 00:32:13.809 the Maasai people on critical indigenous land 00:32:13.809 --> 00:32:16.680 rights issues in East Africa. This breadth of 00:32:16.680 --> 00:32:18.799 involvement from health and hospice care to animal 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:21.140 welfare and indigenous rights truly highlights 00:32:21.140 --> 00:32:23.980 a holistic approach to philanthropy. It demonstrates 00:32:23.980 --> 00:32:26.619 that his compassion knows no boundaries and his 00:32:26.619 --> 00:32:28.700 impact is felt across diverse communities and 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:31.599 causes. Now, it's important, I think, for balance 00:32:31.599 --> 00:32:33.859 to discuss a particular event that brought some 00:32:33.859 --> 00:32:36.519 public scrutiny and highlights the complexities 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:39.549 of celebrity endorsement. Martin Clunes was a 00:32:39.549 --> 00:32:42.529 patron of the Born Free Foundation, a prominent 00:32:42.529 --> 00:32:45.490 wildlife charity, and had filmed several adverts 00:32:45.490 --> 00:32:47.589 for them. Mm -hmm, I remember those ads too. 00:32:47.750 --> 00:32:50.230 However! He was dropped by the Foundation in 00:32:50.230 --> 00:32:53.190 May 2019 after he was filmed riding an elephant 00:32:53.190 --> 00:32:55.809 in an episode of the ITV documentary series, 00:32:55.990 --> 00:32:58.710 My Travels with Other Animals. What exactly happened 00:32:58.710 --> 00:33:00.829 there? Yeah, this is a key point for balanced 00:33:00.829 --> 00:33:03.369 discussion as it highlights the complexities 00:33:03.369 --> 00:33:06.250 of celebrity endorsement and the intense scrutiny 00:33:06.250 --> 00:33:09.089 public figures face, especially in sensitive 00:33:09.089 --> 00:33:11.769 areas like animal welfare. It's a minefield sometimes. 00:33:11.849 --> 00:33:14.859 It really can be. The Born Free Foundation, known 00:33:14.859 --> 00:33:16.880 for its strong stance against the exploitation 00:33:16.880 --> 00:33:19.559 of wild animals, decided to part ways with Clumes 00:33:19.559 --> 00:33:22.160 because their ethos strictly opposes the use 00:33:22.160 --> 00:33:25.440 of elephants for entertainment or writing, regardless 00:33:25.440 --> 00:33:27.440 of the context. Right, that's their core principle. 00:33:27.920 --> 00:33:30.619 Exactly. The segment in his documentary showed 00:33:30.619 --> 00:33:33.460 him riding an elephant, which directly conflicted 00:33:33.460 --> 00:33:36.039 with the Foundation's core principles. Their 00:33:36.039 --> 00:33:38.059 decision reflected their commitment to their 00:33:38.059 --> 00:33:41.420 unwavering ethical stance. It serves as an important 00:33:41.420 --> 00:33:44.299 example that different organizations and individuals 00:33:44.299 --> 00:33:47.799 have varying, deeply held perspectives on ethical 00:33:47.799 --> 00:33:50.619 practices concerning animals, and that public 00:33:50.619 --> 00:33:53.859 figures, by virtue of their visibility, are held 00:33:53.859 --> 00:33:56.299 to particular standards by the groups they choose 00:33:56.299 --> 00:33:58.829 to represent. We're simply reporting the facts 00:33:58.829 --> 00:34:01.210 of this event as they occurred from the source 00:34:01.210 --> 00:34:03.869 material to provide a complete and impartial 00:34:03.869 --> 00:34:06.089 picture of his public life and the challenges 00:34:06.089 --> 00:34:08.150 that can arise Understood. It's about presenting 00:34:08.150 --> 00:34:10.659 the information fairly precisely And moving beyond 00:34:10.659 --> 00:34:13.000 that, his contributions and recognition extend 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:15.579 further. Yes. Beyond his acting and extensive 00:34:15.579 --> 00:34:17.760 charitable endeavors, Martin Clunes has also 00:34:17.760 --> 00:34:20.679 been recognized in numerous ways, including authoring 00:34:20.679 --> 00:34:22.679 books and receiving significant public honors. 00:34:22.800 --> 00:34:25.000 He's really cemented his role as a respected 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:27.199 public figure, going beyond just his performances. 00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:30.400 His literary contributions further underscore 00:34:30.400 --> 00:34:32.840 his deep connection to animals and his desire 00:34:32.840 --> 00:34:35.960 to share knowledge. He authored A Dog's Life 00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:39.059 back in 2009, a heartwarming exploration of the 00:34:39.059 --> 00:34:41.119 canine world. Based on his documentary series. 00:34:41.199 --> 00:34:44.280 Related to it, yes. And more recently, Meetings 00:34:44.280 --> 00:34:47.800 with Remarkable Animals in 2024, continuing to 00:34:47.800 --> 00:34:50.059 share his passion for the animal kingdom. These 00:34:50.059 --> 00:34:52.159 books offer a more personal insight into his 00:34:52.159 --> 00:34:55.000 passions and expertise. Right. In terms of official 00:34:55.000 --> 00:34:57.539 recognition, he was appointed an Officer of the 00:34:57.539 --> 00:35:01.199 Order of the British Empire, or OBE, in the 2015 00:35:01.199 --> 00:35:03.820 birthday honors. An OBE, that's quite an honor. 00:35:03.960 --> 00:35:07.179 It is. A significant national honor, specifically 00:35:07.179 --> 00:35:10.159 recognizing his services to drama, charity, and 00:35:10.159 --> 00:35:13.210 the community in Dorset. This honor acknowledges 00:35:13.210 --> 00:35:15.789 his impact not just in the arts, but also his 00:35:15.789 --> 00:35:18.130 significant holistic contributions to his local 00:35:18.130 --> 00:35:21.230 community and various causes. So drama, charity, 00:35:21.389 --> 00:35:24.269 and community. Exactly. Furthermore, in 2019, 00:35:24.489 --> 00:35:26.730 he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant, or DL, of 00:35:26.730 --> 00:35:28.429 the County of Dorset. What does that involve? 00:35:28.710 --> 00:35:31.250 It's a ceremonial role, supporting the Lord Lieutenant 00:35:31.250 --> 00:35:33.710 and representing the Crown in local civic life, 00:35:34.230 --> 00:35:35.969 further cementing his commitment to the region 00:35:35.969 --> 00:35:39.070 he calls home. And his involvement extends into 00:35:39.070 --> 00:35:41.710 academic and societal roles as well, showing 00:35:41.710 --> 00:35:44.409 a broader commitment to education and specific 00:35:44.409 --> 00:35:47.710 causes he clearly cares about. Indeed. He was 00:35:47.710 --> 00:35:51.809 awarded an honorary doctor of arts. by Bournemouth 00:35:51.809 --> 00:35:55.210 University in 2007, recognizing his contributions 00:35:55.210 --> 00:35:57.929 to the arts. Since 2011, he has served as the 00:35:57.929 --> 00:36:00.429 president of the British Horse Society. Ah, back 00:36:00.429 --> 00:36:03.070 to the horses. Back to the horses, a prestigious 00:36:03.070 --> 00:36:05.329 role that directly links back to his profound 00:36:05.329 --> 00:36:08.789 personal interest in happy horses and his horsepower 00:36:08.789 --> 00:36:11.650 documentaries. This isn't just a titular position. 00:36:11.769 --> 00:36:13.889 It reflects his active engagement and advocacy 00:36:13.889 --> 00:36:16.590 for equine welfare and the equestrian community. 00:36:16.730 --> 00:36:19.980 So he really gets involved. Seems so. In 2024, 00:36:20.239 --> 00:36:22.099 he was named the inaugural chancellor for Hartbury 00:36:22.099 --> 00:36:24.900 University and Hartbury College, which are specialist 00:36:24.900 --> 00:36:27.400 institutions known for their animal, agricultural, 00:36:27.840 --> 00:36:31.079 and sports sciences programs. These various presidencies 00:36:31.079 --> 00:36:33.760 and chancellorships reflect a deep, enduring 00:36:33.760 --> 00:36:36.719 commitment to education, animal welfare, and 00:36:36.719 --> 00:36:39.559 community leadership. They solidify his role 00:36:39.559 --> 00:36:42.179 as a respected public figure far beyond his acting 00:36:42.179 --> 00:36:44.780 career, demonstrating a genuine engagement with 00:36:44.780 --> 00:36:47.380 these institutions and causes that align so closely 00:36:47.380 --> 00:36:50.519 with his core values and personal passions. So 00:36:50.519 --> 00:36:52.400 what does this all mean when we bring it all 00:36:52.400 --> 00:36:55.659 together? We've journeyed through Martin Clune's 00:36:55.659 --> 00:36:57.840 truly remarkable career, haven't we? From his 00:36:57.840 --> 00:37:00.199 early struggles and, you know, comedic triumphs 00:37:00.199 --> 00:37:03.300 and men behaving badly. Iconic stuff. to his 00:37:03.300 --> 00:37:05.320 iconic dramatic roles like Doc Martin and his 00:37:05.320 --> 00:37:08.119 heartfelt dedication to documentaries about the 00:37:08.119 --> 00:37:10.400 natural world infused with his extensive charity 00:37:10.400 --> 00:37:13.079 work. It's abundantly clear his impact extends 00:37:13.079 --> 00:37:15.320 well beyond the screen. Much further. Deeply 00:37:15.320 --> 00:37:17.260 rooted in his personal values and commitments, 00:37:17.619 --> 00:37:19.900 especially his genuine passion for animals, the 00:37:19.900 --> 00:37:22.539 environment, and his local community. He is, 00:37:22.579 --> 00:37:24.760 without a doubt, far more than just Doc Martin 00:37:24.760 --> 00:37:27.360 or Gary Strang. Yeah. If we connect this to the 00:37:27.360 --> 00:37:30.119 bigger picture, Martin claims really exemplifies 00:37:30.119 --> 00:37:32.570 how a public figure can effectively leverage 00:37:32.570 --> 00:37:35.730 their platform in an incredibly authentic way. 00:37:36.389 --> 00:37:39.190 His exceptional adaptability as an actor, moving 00:37:39.190 --> 00:37:41.610 seamlessly and convincingly between comedy and 00:37:41.610 --> 00:37:44.849 drama, is undeniably a cornerstone. That versatility 00:37:44.849 --> 00:37:47.429 is key. It really is. But this is beautifully 00:37:47.429 --> 00:37:50.289 coupled with a genuine, insatiable curiosity 00:37:50.289 --> 00:37:53.289 of the natural world, so vividly evidenced by 00:37:53.289 --> 00:37:55.929 his engaging documentaries and his personal life 00:37:55.929 --> 00:38:00.369 endorse it. Add to that a profound sense of civic 00:38:00.369 --> 00:38:03.219 duty. demonstrated through his significant philanthropic 00:38:03.219 --> 00:38:05.440 efforts at leadership roles in various organizations, 00:38:05.980 --> 00:38:08.400 all these elements coalesce to truly define his 00:38:08.400 --> 00:38:11.019 enduring legacy. It's a powerful testament to 00:38:11.019 --> 00:38:13.159 balancing a demanding and high profile career 00:38:13.159 --> 00:38:15.900 with deeply held personal passions and making 00:38:15.900 --> 00:38:18.159 a tangible positive difference in the world. 00:38:18.699 --> 00:38:20.840 He consistently shows a remarkable ability to 00:38:20.840 --> 00:38:23.059 evolve, to connect with audiences in diverse 00:38:23.059 --> 00:38:25.940 ways, and crucially, to remain true to himself. 00:38:26.139 --> 00:38:28.760 This raises an important question perhaps for 00:38:28.760 --> 00:38:31.199 you, our listener, to consider. In an age where 00:38:31.199 --> 00:38:33.800 celebrity is often fleeting, frequently defined 00:38:33.800 --> 00:38:37.320 by a single iconic role, what specific qualities 00:38:37.320 --> 00:38:39.380 do you think have allowed Martin Clunes to not 00:38:39.380 --> 00:38:41.860 only achieve such enduring popularity across 00:38:41.860 --> 00:38:44.400 multiple decades, but also to pivot and grow 00:38:44.400 --> 00:38:46.820 in ways that so genuinely reflect his authentic 00:38:46.820 --> 00:38:48.780 interests and values? That's a great question. 00:38:48.880 --> 00:38:50.820 What does his journey tell us about the power 00:38:50.820 --> 00:38:53.480 of embracing versatility and purpose in one's 00:38:53.480 --> 00:38:55.920 life and work, and how cultivating a consistent, 00:38:56.059 --> 00:38:58.559 authentic persona can resonate so deeply and 00:38:58.559 --> 00:39:00.539 for so long with the public. Something to think 00:39:00.539 --> 00:39:00.840 about.