CLAUS for concern

CATHERINE TYLDESLEY and SHAYNE WARD on the drama unfolding on their cruise ship this yuletide

- MICHAEL DARLING, STEVEN PERKINS

THE GOOD SHIP MURDER

WEDNESDAY, 9PM, CHANNEL 5 DRAMA

All aboard for a spot of seasonal sleuthing as Channel 5 crime drama The Good Ship Murder sails back on to our screens for its first festive edition!

Following a successful debut season last year, the sparkling new story finds detective turned cabaret singer Jack Grayling (played by Shayne Ward) and First Officer Kate Woods (Catherine Tyldesley) busy preparing for a magical Christmas while docked in the Croatian port city of Dubrovnik.

When the luxury cruise ship’s regular Santa falls ill, Jack quickly finds a replacement in washed-up comedian Buddy Elveden (Call the Midwife favourite Cliff Parisi), who jumps at the chance to don the red suit. But things soon go awry, leaving Jack and Kate on a mission to catch a killer before the big day is ruined for everyone.

Here, in an exclusive interview, former Coronation Street costars Shayne, 40, and Catherine, 41, tell TV Times why we’re in for a tree-rific treat…

How excited were you when you heard that there would be a festive special?