7 best Martin Clunes performances after chilling turn as Huw Edwards

For more than four decades now, Martin Clunes has cemented his place as one of the most recognisable and reassuring faces on television.

Whether he’s making his way through the Cornish countryside in Doc Martin or being an immature flat mate in Men Behaving Badly, the 64-year-old has become synonymous with comfort viewing.

However, following his chilling transformation into disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards, the veteran actor has majorly surprised his fans.

Leaving viewers ‘sickened’ by his performance, the Channel 5 drama detailed how Edwards groomed a young man over several years.

It also showcased Martin’s ability to play roles in a range of different genres, from comedy to thrillers and drama.

So, taking a look back at Martin’s glittering career, Metro has provided the actor’s seven best performances.

Doc Martin

After playing the role for nearly two decades, the 64-year-old star’s most recognised role has to be Doc Martin.

After originally airing in 2004 and ending in 2022, the Cornish drama featured Clunes as Dr Martin Ellingham.

In what has proved to be a career defining role, Martin balanced comedy and emotional depth at a masterful level.

Acting in more than 10 series, playing the grumpy doctor might well be his best role.

Men Behaving Badly

From one iconic series to another, Men Behaving Badly was one of the most defining British sitcoms of the 90s.

Playing Gary Strang, Martin played a laddish, messy and unapologetically immature roommate alongside Neil Morrissey.

The duo had impeccable comic timing and chemistry, making the show compulsive viewing.

Navigating adult responsibilities, female relationships while binge-drinking and watching television, the show aired from 1992 until 1998.

Manhunt

Showing off his dramatic capabilities, Manhunt is another reminder of Martin’s vast acting range.

After first debuting in 2019 and airing until 2021, his portrayal of real-life detective DCI Colin Sutton earned huge acclaim.

Detailing the meticulous, methodical efforts that go into police work, the drama made for compelling viewing.

A synopsis for the series reads: ‘Arresting real-life crime drama based on a Met detective’s memoirs. Martin Clunes stars as DCI Sutton, tasked with solving the murder of a student and catching a serial rapist.’

William and Mary

Coming in next as one of Martin’s most overlooked roles is William and Mary.

Airing from 2003 until 2005, the ITV drama quietly provided Martin with one of his best roles.

Playing a widowed undertake opposite Julie Graham as a midwife, the pair become romantically involved as life throws a series of challenges their way.

The series, however, is another reminder of Martin’s ability to connect emotionally with audiences without overplaying it.

Vanity Fair

In this adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s classic novel, Martin stepped into a world of corsets and class divisions.

While he was not in a headline role, it serves as another example of how Martin can comfortably step into a period drama.

Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars, the ITV/Amazon miniseries also stars Olivia Cooke.

Following the cynical, charming Becky Sharp, we see her use manipulation and seduction to climb the social ladder in 19th-century British society.

Playing the role of Sir Pitt Crawley, he portrays a stingy, crude baronet who hires Sharp as a governess to his daughters.

Shakespeare in Love

From one period drama to another, Martin enjoyed a Hollywood appearance in Shakesepare in Love in 1998.

The Oscar-winning film imagines a fictional love affair between playwright William Shakespeare and a noblewoman named Viola de Lesseps.

The action all takes place while he is struggling to write Romeo and Juliet.

While Martin may not have had the largest role, it’s another stand-out project in his career.

Wuthering Heights

Last, but certainly not least, who could forget Martin’s performance as Catherine’s father, Mr Earnshaw.

Starring opposite Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, Martin stole the show as a drunkard father.

It also dealt up a perfect blend of humour and emotionally charged material.

I’m still thinking about all those wine bottles that were piled up beside him in the film…

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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.