Martin Clunes confirmed the death of a beloved Doc Martin co-star live on TV.

The actor, 63, starred on the comedy-drama from 2004 until the finale back in 2022 and featured on The One Show on Thursday evening.

Hosts Roman Kemp, 32, and Alex Jones, 48, welcomed Martin onto the weekday programme.

During the conversation, they reflected on the beloved ITV show.

‘We have had lots of people sharing their love for Doc Martin, so many messages,’ Roman gushed. 

‘The show celebrated 20 years since its first episode, which is incredible. But your character was irritated by his dog, you had quite a good way of getting around that,’ the host added.

Martin Clunes, left, starred on the comedy-drama from 2004 until the finale back in 2022 and featured on The One Show on Thursday evening

Hosts Roman Kemp, 32, and Alex Jones, 48, welcomed Martin onto the weekday programme on Thursday

Martin’s character was known for not liking dogs and often had hilarious scenes with his pooch, called Buddy.

Read More Martin Clunes reveals he built a coffin for his Jack Russell after his pet was diagnosed with cancer

The actor went on to reveal that Buddy, who’s off-screen name was Dodger, had sadly pᴀssed away.

‘Oh Dodger, he was fantastic that boy. Sadly no longer with us,’ he revealed, much to the hosts’ shock.

Martin reflected on his time spent working with Dodger and said: ‘I had to yell at him, throw him around, do all sorts of things, but I never shouted really at him.

‘I just waved my lips around and added in the shouting later.

‘Me and Sonia Turner, his trainer, and Dodger, we just had such fun on that, y’know? Pushing the limits of what we could do with him and he was fabulous.’

‘Oh he’s a gorgeous dog,’ Alex commented. 

The Rough Jack Russell Terrier played the disgruntled pooch on the show from 2009 until 2019 when he retired after being diagnosed with dementia.

Martin’s character was known for not liking dogs and often had hilarious scenes with his pooch, called Buddy (pictured) 

Martin revealed the dog , who’s off-screen name was Dodger, had sadly pᴀssed away

Dodger sadly pᴀssed away in 2023 and his trainer Sonia announced the news on her Instagram.

She wrote: ‘A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has taken the time to remember Dodger and send their condolences. 

‘Tom and I are truly touched and amazed that our little chap had been taken to heart by so many people, both here and abroad. Bless you Dodger.’

The One Show airs on weekdays on BBC One at 7pm and is available to stream on iPlayer.