MRH : Was Doc Martin's theme one of your toughest to create, or was the character so potent that whole aspects of the theme began to percolate in your mind?

CT : I usually start with about five ideas. Sometimes that's enough, other times I'll keep going. As mentioned, the tango was suggested by Martin, so the theme came quickly, but the orchestration (instruments) and opening credits were played with for quite a while.

MRH : Rhythm is a very dominant component of the show's music, and while it energizes the already oddball characters of Portwenn, it also gives the humour added propulsion. Was this a conscious decision, or did the infectious nature of the characters and rippling dialogue pretty much determine the specific textures you employ throughout each episode?

CT : The tango itself was a conscious decision right from the start and as it has many colours that I find attractive, it is very helpful in this series. It probably started with using three or four pianos to create a dramatic effect instead of the obvious tremelando strings, etc., and it grew from this. Now I know what is needed, and I am able to approach different events with a kind of Portwenn music. I don't have draws of music, because I believe it should be created for the specific scene, but certainly the score is now part of the series as a musical language.

MRH : What specific elements do you draw from when scoring an episode to ensure it remains distinct, particularly since Season 4 is moving into production?

CT : One of the hardest things to do is ‘theme and variations' on a long show. It is a fantastic challenge, and sometimes leads me to shoot off into a new direction or to use different instruments – only to be reminded by the director or the producer where we are, and that Portwenn should keep the very strong musical Portwenn feeling. Introducing new themes can be hard, as they have to feel natural - a bit like trying a new song for an established singer. In this case the specific element is the tango, with an allowance of branching out sometimes.

[NOTE: SEASON 3 FINALE SPOILER ALERT BELOW - READ AT YOUR OWN RISK !]

MRH : And lastly, two quick questions: a) Besides Dr. Martin Ellingham, is there another character whose (mis)adventures you enjoy scoring? and b)  If you could grant the socially challenged Ellingham one magical wish that would bring him some peace and tranquility in Portwenn this year, what would that be?