Martin Clunes daughter once joined him in an episode of ITV sitcom Doc Martin, but she eventually pursued a different career

Martin Clunes, a familiar face on our television screens for years, is most recognised for his role as the lead character in ITV’s Doc Martin.

The 63-year-old actor featured in all 10 series of the popular comedy, which ran from 2004 to 2022. He’s also known for his roles in Men Behaving Badly and William and Mary, as well as hosting several documentaries.

His latest TV venture, Islands of the Atlantic, is set to premiere on ITV1 this Friday (2nd May), with Martin embarking on an adventure across the Atlantic.

Off-screen, Martin enjoys a blissful marriage with TV producer Philippa Braithwaite, and they are proud parents to their 25-year-old daughter Emily, who some might recognise.

Emily once appeared in Doc Martin alongside her famous father, playing a schoolgirl. She made her acting debut in the eighth episode of the fourth series, reports Gloucestershire Live.

In her scene, she attends to Tasha (portrayed by Sophie Thompson) after she becomes agitated during Harbour Day celebration rehearsals. In the unearthed scene, Emily can be seen wearing a white polo shirt with her hair pulled back.

Despite making her television debut at a young age, Emily has chosen a career path quite different from her renowned father.

She is a professional event rider and is currently studying equine vet nursing at Hartpury University.

Emily, who previously managed Chedington Equestrian, has participated in numerous showjumping competitions, such as BENovice and BS115.

Emily’s passion for horses runs in the family, shared by both her mum and dad. Together, they live in Beaminster, Dorset, where they have their own horses on the farm.

In 2011, Martin took on the role of president for the British Horse Society.

The actor has opened up about how Emily’s equestrian enthusiasm prompted their relocation to the countryside of Dorset.

Chatting on This Morning, Martin reflected: “We always wanted a field for a pony for our daughter Emily. And one never came up and suddenly, 130 acres came up which wasn’t quite what we were looking for but if you don’t do something you’ll have a grass problem. It will all go wild so we started with loads of sheep.”

Martin Clunes’ Islands of the Atlantic airs on ITV1 at 9pm on Friday, 2 May