Dr Willoughby(1999)

Dr Willoughby is a British sitcom that aired on ITV in late 1999. Set behind the scenes of a fictional soap opera of the same name, the show follows the dramatic on-set antics and personal rivalries of its cast and crew. Joanna Lumley stars as Donna Sinclair, an unpopular actress playing the title role who struggles with low fan mail and constant workplace tension. When newcomer Crystal arrives and quickly becomes a fan favourite, Donna's jealousy spirals. Ralph Whatman, the show's male lead, circles opportunistically whenever Donna faces bad publicity. Producer Emma Goodliffe, overwhelmed by the chaos, desperately seeks escape—even considering a supermarket job. The series mines comedy from ego clashes, petty sabotage, and the absurd melodrama of soap opera production itself.