Image: BBC Press
By Jon Donnis
The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Foster will return for a third and final series, bringing Gemma Foster's story to a close. Created and written by Mike Bartlett, the new five part run will see Suranne Jones step back into her multi award winning role as Gemma, alongside Bertie Carvel as Simon and Tom Taylor as Tom. Produced by Drama Republic for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, filming is set to begin later this spring.
It has been ten years since Gemma uncovered her husband Simon's affair and set in motion a calculated act of revenge. The consequences were severe, culminating in her 15 year old son Tom vanishing. In the new series, Gemma remains a GP and still lives in the same house, yet she stands on the edge of change. She has met someone new and is preparing to remarry. As the wedding approaches and loved ones gather, old secrets begin to surface, threatening her happiness and her standing in the community. Determined to shield those closest to her and uncover who is intent on causing harm, Gemma is once again forced to confront the past and decide whether justice can finally be served.
Reflecting on her return, Suranne Jones said the timing felt right. She explained that distance from the first two series was needed, as was the chance for Tom to return as an adult with his own questions. For her, this chapter centres on accountability and whether it is ever truly possible to cut ties with the damage that lingers. She described working again with Mike Bartlett and the Drama Republic team as exciting, and said she is eager to begin filming.
Mike Bartlett said he had long hoped to complete Gemma's story, describing it as the tale of a woman seeking fairness in an unfair world. He noted that the themes feel as relevant now as when Gemma first found a single blonde hair on a scarf. He also spoke of the pleasure of reuniting with Drama Republic, Tom Taylor, Bertie Carvel and Suranne Jones to revisit Parminster, where secrets and betrayals still simmer.
Roanna Benn and Jude Liknaitzky of Drama Republic said they are thrilled to bring the finale to screen, praising the gripping scripts and the chance to see Gemma and Simon face each other again after a decade. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, called it a privilege to welcome the show back after almost ten years, crediting the writing, production team and cast for the impact of the first two series.
When it first aired in 2015 and 2017, Doctor Foster became a major hit in the UK, with close to ten million viewers tuning in for the series two finale. It also received widespread critical acclaim and National Television Awards for both runs, while Suranne Jones won a BAFTA for her performance as Gemma Foster.
Filming will take place in and around Hertfordshire. The first two series are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
