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British icon Martin Clunes has revealed an exciting personal update following a difficult period. The cherished actor is most recognised for playing Dr Martin Ellingham in the hit medical comedy-drama Doc Martin, which concluded on Christmas Day 2022 after ten series. Martin appeared on ITV's Lorraine on Tuesday (March 3), where he spoke to presenter Lorraine Kelly about his latest film Mother's Pride, which arrives in cinemas later this week (March 6).

In the production, Martin portrays a struggling pub landlord whose fortunes transform through crafting real ale and competing in the Great British Beer Awards. "[It's all about] family, community and an ode to the pub," the actor explained. This comes just weeks after the premiere of Emerald Fennell's highly-anticipated adaptation of Wuthering Heights, in which Martin plays Cathy Earnshaw's (Margot Robbie) father, reports the Mirror.

Disclosing that the filmmaker immediately envisaged him for the role, Martin said: "[Emerald is] my champion. I thought, 'Wow.' It was very different from working in television, there was time. Time for everyone to flourish... I'll have it on my gravestone, 'Martin Clunes was a tall actor who once played Margot Robbie's dad.'"

He continued: "I didn't leave the studio. It looks like it's outdoors, and [there] was a rain machine all the time on me and the horse... I was riding the horse out on the [stage] and they turned this six foot fan on us to get the wind." Martin's upcoming role will see him embody former BBC presenter Huw Edwards in a new two-part factual series.

But that's not all, as the 64-year-old star also divulged some thrilling news from his farm. Martin lives with his wife, producer Philippa Braithwaite, on a 130-acre operational farm near Beaminster, Dorset, which they acquired in 2007.

Discussing his animals, Martin confirmed: "They're all good. I may be coming back to talk you about [my] book [that's] coming out about two of my dogs, John and Murray, who were a nightmare. They killed a deer when they were six months old. Jack Russell's. We've turned a corner, it's been quite the journey. They're beautiful... [They] love other dogs and people."

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Martin's farm, known as Higher Meerhay Farm, boasts expansive land, horses, cattle, sheep and dogs. Locals in Dorset will be thrilled to hear that Martin's popular Buckham Fair is set to return later this year.

"Buckham Fair is coming back! August 2nd," he announced on today's Lorraine, with the host enthusiastically responding: "Yay, it's the highlight of the calendar." Hinting at what attendees can anticipate, Martin continued: "Tickets have just gone live on the website. [People] can come and see the animals. We're having a proper dog show, kennel club dog show, and a festival of heavy horses - all the big fellas."

The well-loved vintage fair has amassed an impressive £600,000 for local charities since its inception in 2008. The most recent event was held in 2019, following a break to let the land and residents recuperate from the influx of visitors.

Mother's Pride will be released in cinemas on Friday, March 6, while Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV1 at 9.30am

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