Catherine Tyldesley and Shayne Ward will return to Channel 5 in the lead roles for the new series of The Good Ship Murder.
The Coronation Street stars impressed show bosses after the success of the first outing of the series and Channel 5 confirmed on Wednesday that The Good Ship Murder will return for two more series. Fans of the hit series will also be pleased to hear that a Christmas special is in the works.
Channel 5's The Good Ship Murder promises even more sun, sea and and sinister plots when it returns. The dynamic pairing of cabaret singer turned detective Jack Grayling, played by Shayne and the fiercely ambitious First Officer Kate Woods, played by Catherine will make a return.
Cruise Director Beverley Carnell, played by Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney will also return while Hollyoaks star Ross Adams will join the cast as new character Colin Smallwood, and the series will also see a host of guest stars joining the voyage. The first series enjoyed great success and averaged an audience of 2.1 million.
The show's success has paved the way for the continuation of Jack and Kate's adventures, as they solve murder mysteries against the backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean. With the ship setting sail for new horizons, audiences can expect an array of stunning coastal destinations and a fresh wave of compelling mysteries to unravel.
Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, at Channel 5, commented on the series' return. He said: "Greg and I are excited for these new tales on The Good Ship Murder. The blend of music, mystery, and beautiful locations was a winning formula that our viewers loved in series one, and we’re excited to be working with Clapperboard again to bring this series back”.
Mike Benson, Managing Director of Clapperboard – which will produce the series – shared his enthusiasm: “Series one was something of a journey - or mid-price cruise - into the unknown… not least trying to film a drama on a cruise ship with 6000 holidaymakers heading to 8 different countries! However, we were delighted with how the concept found an audience and are thrilled to be making two more series packed with sun, showtunes and subterfuge.”
Meanwhile, Catherine was forced to step down from an appearance in stage show Bonnie and Clyde earlier in the week due to illness. The Coronation Street actress is currently starring as Blanche Barrow in the production as she makes her professional musical theatre debut.
The actress revealed she was heartbroken to miss the opening night in Woking as she admitted she needed to rest up after being struck down by a migraine. She wrote on Instagram: "Due to visually impaired migraine striking moments before curtain up I am gutted to not be performing tonight. But rest assured the incredible @oonagh111 will be absolutely brilliant as Blanche.
"Heartbroken to not be doing opening night here in Woking but it's never about watching me bump into things/people on stage. Off to rest! Enjoy the show folks."
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