10 famous BBC Doctors stars who made it big in Hollywood, including Jodie Comer

BBC announced that it was cancelling its long-running medical daytime soap Doctors after more than 20 years. The show, which was filmed in Birmingham, has been a launch pad for young talent over the years.

Set in the fictional Midlands town of Letherbridge, close to Birmingham, the daytime soap follows the staff and their families of a doctor’s surgery.

The BBC announced on Wednesday (October 18) it was axing the show due to “super inflation in drama production”.

Industry bodies are concerned that the axing of the show would take away a vital launchpad for young talent. The Independent reported Chief executive of industry body Directors UK Andy Harrower as saying: “At a time when directors and production teams are struggling for work, it’s especially sad to see this long-running drama come to an end. For many of our members, Doctors has been a launchpad for their careers.”

Since BBC announced the cancellation, a petition was launched to save the show and more than 5,000 people have signed it. Petitioner Carys Ashby said: “The show is not just for entertainment as it has saved people’s lives with the medical issues being highlighted and many mental health subjects tackled and talked about. The fans have grown with the characters over the years and feel part of the ever changing Doctors family. Sign this petition to save Doctors and hope that another company can pick the show up or the BBC can change their minds.”

The Musicians Union has also raised concerns and said: "The Midlands is the worst served BBC region in the country and despite contributing a quarter of the licence payers fee, gets only 2% back in network TV spend."

Several British stars who made it big in Hollywood took their early steps via Doctors. Here are 10 BBC Doctors cast who made it big in Hollywood: