Everything you need to know about Season 5 of Doctor Doctor

It's been almost a year between consultations, but our favourite bad boy heart surgeon Hugh will be back on screens soon when Doctor Doctor returns on Wednesday April 28 for a new season.

That means there is plenty of time to get up to date before the new season starts or, if you're all caught up, re-watch your favourite episodes for free on 9Now.

Stream every episode ever of Doctor Doctor for free on 9Now.

For those who are ready to dive in to Season 5, here is everything you need to know.

What will happen in Season 5?

Bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic have passed through Whyhope and now the town is in crisis, and to top it off the local council's corruption has finally got the attention of authorities.

At the same time, asbestos has been discovered at the hospital and Hugh, Ken and Betty are forced to set up a clinic in an old veterinary practice to treat locals.

Those factors leave Hugh feeling like he should finally return to Sydney and resume his career as a heart surgeon. But Penny's secret return to a rival hospital looks set to change his plans.

Hugh also catches the eye of Sharna, the council administrator brought in to weed out the corruption in Whyhope.

For Meryl, Sharna's presence means her well-meaning but not exactly legal actions as mayor are finally catching up with her. This results in Meryl being arrested and looking to old flame and possible new love interest, Michael, for help.

Matt and Charlie return from their European adventure when the brewery is hit with bad reviews. The feedback leads Matt to question his future with the brewery and how to revive it with the knowledge he gained while sampling beers in Germany.

Meanwhile Ajax and Hayley have hit a rut in their marriage as they struggle to follow through on plans to build their dream home. And hot new farmhand Tom will test Hayley and Ajax's marriage when sparks fly between Tom and Hayley.

Which cast members are returning?

Rodger Corser is back as Hugh Knight alongside Aussie TV legend Tina Bursill, who plays Meryl, the Knight family matriarch and mayor of Whyhope.

Ryan Johnson and Nicole da Silva will once again play Matt and Charlie, while Matt Castley and Chloe Bayliss return as Ajax and Hayley.

Charles Wu and Belinda Bromilow will also be back as hospital staffers Ken and Betty, as will Hayley McElhinney as Penny.

Who is joining the cast for Season 5?

The core cast will be joined by a standout group of guest stars.

Aussie acting legend John Waters will play Michael, a lawyer who was once an old flame of Meryl's and the man who taught Hugh his bad boy ways.

Love Child star Lincoln Younes returns to Aussie TV after starring in Eva Longoria's series Grand Hotel to play Tom, the attractive farmhand Hayley falls for.

Council administrator and Hugh's new love interest Sharna will be played by Crownies actress Chantelle Jamieson.

Other guest stars this season include Packed to the Rafters star Zoe Ventoura and Seachange actor Darren McMullen.

What do I need to know about Season 4 before the new season starts?

Season 4 ended with Penny leaving Whyhope to start a new life with her husband Jarrod, despite admitting she was in love with Hugh.

Hugh took over management of Whyhope hospital, despite his lingering dream of returning to the city.

Matt and Charlie rekindled their love after separating in Season 3 and went travelling around the world.

Ajax realised his destiny was to be a farmer and look after the family property. He also reunited with Hayley after the pair broke up over Hayley's decision to lie about taking pole dancing classes.

How can I watch?

Doctor Doctor Season 5 premieres Wednesday April 28 at 8.30pm on Nine and 9Now. Stream every episode ever of Doctor Doctor for free on 9Now.