Martin Clunes - Travel Personality of the Year
Since 2004, Martin Clunes has played the grumpy GP in one of ITV’s most popular comedy dramas, Doc Martin. The latest series in 2011 attracted over nine million viewers. There are plans to film series six in 2013.
In between filming Doc Martin, Martin Clunes also works as a presenter. Two of his documentaries focus on animals - Martin has a passion for wildlife and admits to being soppy about his own pets!
In 2008, Martin presented a two-part documentary - Man and his Dog. His quest to find the secret of the rewarding relationship between man and his dog saw him embark on a worldwide adventure. Martin visited Africa, Australia and America to discover more about how dogs can provide such a loving and affectionate relationship with their owners, despite being 99.8% wolf.
In 2010, Martin presented Horsepower on ITV. This featured Martin travelling to Mongolia, Arabia, Nevada and Las Vegas to unlock the secrets of our relationship with horses over time.
Continuing with his travels, Martin visited scenic small islands around Britain in his documentary Islands of Britain. Visiting the North, West and South of Britain, Martin shares his experience of many secluded islands.
Martin’s latest documentary sees him live out a childhood dream as he visits the last surviving lemurs on the planet in visiting Madagascar. In this ITV documentary, he explores what is being done to save these rare primates.
Background
One of Martin Clunes' first roles was in Doctor Who in the 1980s. He was then spotted by the British comedian Harry Enfield while acting on stage in Hampstead. The two later became friends, and Martin often acted in Harry's sketches.
It was Harry Enfield who recommended Martin for the role as Gary in the 90s sitcom Men Behaving Badly. And after winning a BAFTA for his role in the show, Martin's acting career went from strength to strength.
Awards
1995: Top Comedy Actor in the British Comedy Awards
1996: BAFTA for Best Comedy Performance in Men Behaving Badly
1999: Screen Actors' Guild for outstanding performance in Shakespeare in Love
2007: Honorary Doctorate from Bournemouth University