The BBC's critically acclaimed thriller Doctor Foster is reportedly making a sensational comeback after an eight-year absence from our screens, with Suranne Jones set to reprise her Bafta-winning role as the formidable GP Gemma Foster.
The Dramatic Return After Eight Years
According to reports, filming for the new series will commence next year, with viewers expected to see the gripping drama return to BBC iPlayer by late 2026 or early 2027. This marks a significant gap since the show's last outing in 2017, when it captivated audiences with its intense portrayal of marital breakdown and revenge.
A television insider revealed to The Sun that there was "always a sense of unfinished business with Doctor Foster," noting that the compelling storyline had the potential to continue evolving. The source highlighted the show's previous success, stating that approximately eight million viewers tuned in weekly during its peak to watch the dramatic confrontations unfold between the three lead characters.
What to Expect From the New Series
The upcoming instalment will explore the aftermath of the explosive marital drama that defined the first two series. In a significant development, the storyline will see Gemma Foster's son Tom, originally portrayed by Tom Taylor, returning home as an adult. This narrative choice allows the show to examine the long-term consequences of his parents' bitter separation, having previously run away from the family turmoil.
The original series, created by writer Mike Bartlett, followed Dr Gemma Foster's descent into obsession after discovering a single blonde hair on her husband Simon's scarf - portrayed by Bertie Carvel. This seemingly minor clue unleashed a chain of events that exposed multiple secrets and betrayals, culminating in Gemma's relentless pursuit of revenge against her unfaithful husband.
From Critical Acclaim to Bafta Success
Doctor Foster originally premiered just over a decade ago and quickly established itself as must-watch television. The series not only earned widespread critical praise but also secured a Bafta for Suranne Jones's powerful performance as the wronged wife turned avenger.
The Guardian famously described the show as a "brilliant and gripping portrait of a marriage," capturing the intense public and critical reception that made it one of the BBC's most talked-about dramas. The series also served as an early career highlight for Jodie Comer, who played the mysterious blonde mistress Kate before achieving international fame in Killing Eve.
Interestingly, creator Mike Bartlett had previously stated that there would not be a third series following the conclusion of season two. In 2017, he told The Sun: "We're definitely done and we're all doing – certainly they are doing – amazing things. It would only come back if we had the right story to tell in the right way – and I don't have a burning desire to find that story."
However, the television landscape has clearly evolved, with the reported new series suggesting that the perfect storyline has now emerged to continue Gemma Foster's compelling journey. The BBC has declined to comment on the reports when contacted by Metro, maintaining an air of suspense around the highly anticipated return.
