The series is based on a true story of culture clash: Sanjeev Bhaskar prepared for his role by talking with relatives who lived during the 1960s and by having discussions with a real doctor, Prem Subberwal, who emigrated from India with his wife Kamini to work as an NHS doctor in a Welsh village.

The real-life inspiration, Dr. Prem Subberwal, explained that one of his major difficulties in Wales was not the English language itself but understanding the Welsh accent and local colloquialisms, since he had learned a more formally structured version of English.

The lead character's name, Prem Sharma, and his wife's name, Kamini, directly echo the real doctor Prem Subberwal and his wife Kamini, who inspired the show.