Crossword Genius

Doctors perhaps showing flattery works (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

soap opera

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'doctors perhaps showing' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'flattery works' is the wordplay.
'flattery' becomes 'soap' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'works' becomes 'opera' (I've seen this in another clue).
'soap'+'opera'='SOAP-OPERA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for soap opera that I've seen before include "TV programme" , "TV show" , "Regularly broadcast series" , "Melodramatic TV serial" , "TV or radio series of everyday events" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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