Parts of Mudgee have been once again transformed into the fictional town of ‘Whyhope’ as filming starts for season three of the Nine Network series, Doctor Doctor.
The Mudgee Guardian was invited on set for a behind-the-scenes look on Monday at the first day of filming in the region.
We spoke to actors Tina Bursill and Ryan Johnson who play Meryl and Matt respectively on the show and we asked them how it felt returning to Mudgee for season three.
“It’s fantastic already, there’s a great feeling on set and we’ve only been here a few hours. Everybody loves coming here.” Ms Bursill said.
Speaking about Mudgee and what gives the show its appeal abroad, Ryan Johnson cites Mudgee’s character.
“It’s exciting, as the years are going on – we’re in our third season – the show is growing in popularity here and internationally and Mudgee is the biggest star in the show.
On set with Doctor Doctor
“I think what the show does well is the quality of the writing and the unique sense of humour. But its main point of difference is its Australian quirk and charm, not to mention its beauty.
It’s a great showcase for Mudgee too. I’ve actually had people come up to me and say ‘we went and checked out Mudgee because of the show.’” He said.
Production was tight-lipped about what might happen in season three, but actor Ryan Johnson gave some insight into his character, Matt.
“Where we left off with season two, there’s some great stuff brewing for my character that involves figuring out that he doesn’t necessarily have ownership of the farm. So he’s growing frustrated with that because he has so many plans for it and he doesn’t agree with the way Jim’s doing things.”
The cast and crew arrived in town to start filming season one back in May 2016 – with producer Claudia Karvan revealing to the Mudgee Guardian, she had a soft spot for the town.
“I spent a lot of time in Mudgee about 20 years ago, have lots of fond memories but it’s certainly changed a lot,” Karvan said at the time.
In season one – Mudgee Newsagency became Whyhope Pharmacy and the Mudgee Guardian was renamed the Whyhope Gazette.
Season three of Doctor Doctor is set to premiere sometime in 2018 on the Nine Network.
You can catch up and binge on seasons one and two of Doctor Doctor at the https://www.9now.com.au/doctor-doctorhttps://www.9now.com.au/doctor-doctor.
Source: Benjamin Palmer, Mudgee Guardian, 21 May 2018
