BBC Doctors fans in tears as final episode airs and say 'don't want to believe'

Doctors fans were left in tears as the final ever episode aired on BBC One. The BBC confirmed the soap, filmed in and around Birmingham, including at the BBC Drama Village in Selly Oak, would end today (Thursday, November 14) after 23 years on air.

Filming for the final episode took place in March. The BBC attributed its decision to end Doctors to 'super inflation' in production costs.

In a statement, a spokesperson explained: "We have taken the very difficult decision to bring daytime drama Doctors to an end after 23 years.With super inflation in drama production, the cost of the programme has increased significantly, and further investment is also now required to refurbish the site where the show is made, or to relocate it to another home.

Read more BBC Doctors airing last episode ever - what will replace it?

"With a flat licence-fee, the BBC's funding challenges mean we have to make tough choices in order to deliver greater value to audiences. We remain fully committed to the West Midlands and all of the funding for Doctors will be reinvested into new programming in the region.

"We would like to thank all the Doctors cast and crew who have been involved in the show since 2000."

Gutted fans tuned into the last episode and took to social media to express their sadness. One wrote on X: "Well tissues at the ready. Still don’t want to believe this is the end #doctors Thankyou for being my friends for the last 24 years xxxx."

Another said: "Sad day ,not going to be the same without #Doctors." A third disgruntled viewer commented: "I hope whoever cancelled #Doctors gets fired. Into the sun."

A fourth wrote: "R.I.P Doctors I absolutely loved appearing in the show (2 eps) and always loved auditioning for it over the years. One of the best working environments in TV #Doctors #BBC." And a fifth added: well Thank you #dpctors. thank you everyone for past and present cast for the last 24 year. End of the road," adding crying emojis.