Suranne Jones is returning for third series of hit BBC drama Doctor Foster
Nine years after the last episode
Last updated 4 hours ago
First airing back in 2015, Doctor Foster was a huge success for the BBC, starring the likes of Suranne Jones, Bertie Carvel and Jodie Comer. The drama gained an average of 10 million viewers over the first two series, with a spin-off called Life airing in 2020.
Since the second series concluded in October 2017, fans of the show have been calling out for more, and now, nine years on, we have some good news!
Is Doctor Foster returning?
Yes! After reports in November 2025, the BBC has now officially confirmed Doctor Foster will be returning for a third series.
Confirming the news on 25th February 2026, the BBC revealed the new five-part run will see Suranne Jones reprise her multi-award-winning role as Gemma Foster, opposite Bertie Carvel as Simon and Tom Taylor as Tom.
What will happen?
The BBC say of the plot for series three: 'Ten years ago, on discovering her husband Simon was having an affair, Gemma Foster enacted a masterful revenge. But the fallout was devastating when her 15-year-old son Tom disappeared. Now, in series three, Gemma is still a GP, still in the same house, but on the brink of a fresh start: she has met someone new and is getting married. But as the wedding day draws closer, and friends and family gather, shadows from the past begin to re-emerge threatening both her happiness and her reputation. As Gemma fights to protect those she loves and expose whoever’s intent on hurting her, will she be able to put the past to bed, dispense justice, and claim the future she deserves, before it is too late?'.
Writer, creator and executive producer Mike Bartlett, says: “I always hoped that we’d get to tell the final part of Gemma’s story - which is about a woman seeking justice in an unfair world. That feels as relevant now as when Gemma first found a blonde hair on the scarf. It’s been a joy to team up once again with the hugely talented Drama Republic, the now very grown-up and brilliant Tom Taylor, the inimitable Bertie Carvel and of course, the incomparable Suranne Jones, to tell the final chapter of this story and revisit Parminster - where it turns out there’s still secrets, betrayals, vengeance and perhaps one last dinner party…”
When is it out?
There's no word on when the third series will arrive just yet, but filming will begin in Spring 2026. Filming will take place in and around Hertfordshire.
Who is in the cast?
Suranne Jones will return as lead character Dr Gemma Foster.
On returning to Doctor Foster, Suranne Jones said: “When I got the call to ask if I wanted to return as Gemma Foster, I knew the time was right. We needed space from the first two series, and we needed Tom - Gemma and Simon’s runaway son - to return as an adult with questions. For me, this time around it’s about accountability and questioning - ‘can we ever truly sever ties with our past and the damage or traumas that haunt us, so we can fully move forward?’ Gemma and Simon have so much to unpick! It’s been an exciting time working with the brilliant Mike Bartlett again, and the team at Drama Republic, on the scripts and now I can’t wait to start filming.”
Bertie Carvel will also return as Simon, and Tom Taylor as their son Tom.
More casting details will be announced in due course.
How can I watch it?
The new series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
What is Doctor Foster about?
Created and written by Mike Bartlett, the series follows a GP called Gemma Foster who suspects her husband Simon is having an affair.
As she investigates, her life unravels, and she uncovers a web of deceit that includes financial ruin and a secret relationship with their friend's daughter. The drama escalates as Gemma becomes consumed by revenge, leading her to behave erratically and ultimately leading to a violent confrontation.
Series two picks up two years later, when Simon and his new wife Kate return to the town with their child. Gemma and Simon's teenage son Tom becomes the centre of the story, and how his parents' relationship affects him.
Check out the trailer for Doctor Foster series two below:
How can I watch the old series?
Series one and two of Doctor Foster are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Check out Suranne Jones' biggest TV shows below:
2000-2004: Coronation Street
Suranne's first big TV role was when she joined ITV/STV soap Coronation Street in 2000. Suranne joined the cast as a character called Karen Phillips, later changing her name to Karen McDonald after she married Steve McDonald.
Suranne appeared on the show for four years, being involved in 494 episodes, going on to become a fan favourite. Suranne's last appearance on the soap was during the episode on Boxing Day in 2004.
2005-2006: Vincent
Suranne's first big role after leaving Corrie was an ITV/STV drama called Vincent. Suranne starred alongside Ray Winstone, playing the role of a top private investigator called Beth Goddard. The show was made-up of two series in total, with eight episodes.
2006: Strictly Confidential
Appearing alongside Tristan Gemmill and Cristian Solimeno, Suranne played the role of a bisexual sex therapist in Kay Mellor's six-part drama Strictly Confidential. The series aired in November 2006 and wasn't renewed for any further series.
2008: Harley Street
Suranne landed the role of Martha Eliot in ITV/STV's medical drama Harley Street in 2008. Despite being the first drama to air in high definition on ITV1/STV1 HD, the series was axed after six episodes due to low viewing figures. Suranne appeared in the drama alongside Paul Nicholls, Shaun Parkes, Oliver Dimsdale and Kim Medcalf.
2009: Unforgiven
In 2009, Suranne teamed up with award-winning writer Sally Wainwright, to appear in a three-part drama called Unforgiven. The series, which also starred Siobhan Finneran and Matthew McNulty, followed Suranne's character Ruth Slater, a woman found guilty of murdering two police officers when she was a teenager.
2010: Five Days
Suranne joined the cast of BBC drama Five Days for series two in 2010, taking on the role of DC Laurie Franklin. Suranne appeared alongside David Morrissey, Bernard Hill and Anne Reid.
2011-2016: Scott & Bailey
Appearing alongside Lesley Sharp, Amelia Bullmore and Nicholas Gleaves, Suranne landed the role of Sergeant Rachel Bailey in ITV/STV police drama Scott & Bailey in 2011. The popular show ran for five series in total, with Suranne also acting as the Executive Producer on the final series. Although viewing figures were high, bosses chose to end the series due to 'creative reasons' in 2016.
2012-2014: A Touch of Cloth
Suranne appeared in Charlie Brooker's comedy series A Touch of Cloth between 2012-2014, playing the role of DC Anne Oldman. The series, which aired on Sky One, was made of three series, each containing two episodes.
2014: The Crimson Field
Suranne took on the role Sister Joan Livesey in BBC period drama The Crimson Field in 2014. The series followed the lives of hospital staff at a hospital in France during the First World War. The show was made up of one series and also starred Rupert Graves, Oona Chaplin, Hermione Norris, and Kevin Doyle.
2015-Present: Doctor Foster
Suranne landed the role of Gemma Foster in BBC drama Doctor Foster in 2015, a series written by Mike Bartlett. The series gained huge popularity with big viewing figures, with fans still crying out for more episodes to this day. Following her performance on the show, Suranne won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress. Suranne appeared on the show alongside the likes of Bertie Carvel, Jodie Comer and Bertie Carvel.
In 2020, a spin-off series aired called Life, but Suranne didn't appear.
In February 2026, the BBC confirmed the amazing news that Doctor Foster will return for a third series, with Suranne reprising her role as Dr Gemma Foster. Filming for series three will begin in Spring 2026.
2018-2020: Save Me
Appearing alongside Lennie James, Suranne played the role of Claire McGory in two series of Sky Atlantic series Save Me.
2019–2022: Gentleman Jack
Suranne once again worked with writer Sally Wainwright in 2019, appearing in BBC historical drama Gentleman Jack. Suranne played the role of landowner and industrialist Anne Lister, appearing alongside Sophie Rundle, Joe Armstrong and Amelia Bullmore. As well as returning for a second series, Suranne also acted as the Executive Producer for the second instalment.
2021-Present: Vigil
Suranne signed up to appear in crime drama Vigil in 2021, which was created by World Productions. Suranne plays the role of Detective Chief Inspector Amy Silva alongside Rose Leslie, who stars as Detective Sergeant Kirsten Longacre. Following series one, which saw the characters solve a crime on-board HMS Vigil, the show was renewed for a second series and saw the pair investigate the British air force.
In 2025, it was announced Vigil had been renewed for a third series, with Suranne set to reprise her role. The new series will return in Spring 2026.
2023: Maryland
Another show to add to that she's acted as Executive Producer on, Suranne starred in three-part drama series Maryland in 2023. Playing the role of Becca, the show told the story of two estranged sisters who regain contact following the sudden death of their mum.
2025: Hostage
Suranne teamed up with Netflix for a brand new drama called Hostage, which landed on the platform on 21st August 2025. Suranne plays the role of British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, whose husband is kidnapped.
2025: Frauds
As well as starring in ITV heist drama Frauds, Suranne also acts as an Executive Producer and co-creator of the show. Suranne plays the role of Bert, a fraudster who has just been released from a maximum-security prison after serving 10 years for fraud. Appearing in the series alongside Jodie Whittaker, all episodes are available to watch now ITVX and STV Player.
2025: Film Club
Landing on the BBC on 7th October 2025, Suranne stars alongside Aimee Lou Wood in Manchester-set sitcom Film Club. The series follows close friends Evie and Noa who get together for a weekly film club. All episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.
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