Doctors will see you now

Daytime soap’s 20 years of stars

PHOEBE Waller-Bridge is proof that the career prognosis is good for stars dropping in for a turn on Doctors.

The Fleabag creator and Bond writer, 34, appeared in the hit BBC daytime drama in 2009 and is now working in Hollywood.

And as the show toasts its 20th anniversary this week, it has proved a springboard for a wealth of acting talent.

Eddie Redmayne, 38, who won an Oscar for 2014 film The Theory of Everything, showed up in 2003 while The Crown actress Claire Foy, 35, was seen in 2008.

Nicholas Hoult, 30, had a role in 2001 and went on to join the blockbuster X-Men films as Hank “The Beast” McCoy.

Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, 33, and Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer, 27, put in appearances in 2009 and 2012 respectively.

And Tracy Brabin, 58, appeared in EastEnders, Casualty and Emmerdale after her 2009 turn – and is now a Labour MP.

EXCELLENCE

But there have also been big names from the past – including American Hart to Hart star Stefanie Powers, 77, in 2001.

Executive producer Mike Hobson, on the show since it launched, said: “We have become known for our famous faces, with literally hundreds having graced our screens over the past 20 years and we look forward to welcoming many more in the future.”

Diane Keen, 73, was a fan favourite playing Julia Parsons for more than a decade until 2012 – and she returned for the anniversary episode this week.

She said: “The show has stood the test of time because people keep delivering excellence and all those wonderful guest artists you get to meet and work with make it an absolute joy. It was exciting to be a part of the anniversary episode. It was just like going home.”

The 20th anniversary episode aired yesterday on BBC1 and is available on the iPlayer.