Doc Martin star reveals heartbreaking reason behind family’s move to Cornwall as ITV drama ends
DOC Martin's idyllic Cornish location is enough to make anyone want to up sticks to the coast - particularly its ITV cast.
Actor Joe Absolom, 43, who plays restauranteur Al Large in the hit comedy drama, re-located to the stunning surroundings 14 years ago.
But while the location made for the ideal Doc Martin filming commute for the show cast member - as well as a stunning spot for holidays - there was a darker reason for his family's big move.
The dad of three, who is married to wife Liz Brown, told how their decision came around after a burglary at his south London home while he was away filming.
His spouse was at home with their kids at the time.
And following news of yet another tragic murder in London, Joe made the decision to move the family when eldest daughter Lyla was five.
READ MORE DOC MARTIN
He said: "I remember sitting on the beach in Cornwall with Lyla on a day off from filming.
"She was asking where the tide had gone. I made up some sort of hare-brained father’s explanation.
"We drove back to London the next day and unfortunately a teenager had just been murdered outside our local supermarket.
"There were lots of floral tributes and my daughter said, 'what does RIP mean?' Within hours we’d gone from talking about where the tide goes to what RIP means."
Most read in Drama
Joe, who moved to the picture-perfect Port Isaac, added: "I’m not saying London is awful and that there’s no crime in Cornwall, but the idea of going to the beach and jumping in the sea whenever I want, or going for a run along the coast path, really appealed.
"My children’s lives are in Cornwall now.
Daisy was born here – she’s got clotted cream in the blood."
Joe also shares son Casper, 11, with Liz.
He shot to fame in the 90s plays Matthew Rose in EastEnders.
He has also had roles in The Bill, Dangerfield and Silent Witness.
Read More on The Sun
Joe also played chief suspect and local taxi driver Christopher Halliwell in true crime drama A Confession.
He has been a Doc Martin regular since the start - with ITV fans now left devastated after the final series ever kicked off.
