The Good Ship Murder returns for a brand new series tonight

Starring Shayne Ward and Catherine Tyldesley

Author: Alex RossPublished 10th Jan 2025
Last updated 10th Jan 2025

They had a complicated relationship as characters Eva Price and Aidan Connor in ITV soap Coronation Street, but fans were over the moon to see Catherine Tyldesley and Shayne Ward reunite last year, on Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder.

Following the popular show's first season, in which we saw Catherine play the role of First Officer Kate Woods, whilst Shayne took on the role of Jack Grayling, it confirmed that we were getting a Christmas special and a second season, and now it's finally landed!

When is series two out?

Series two of The Good Ship Murder will land on Channel 5 on Friday 10th January 2025, at 9pm.

What will happen in series two?

Series two begins with Jack inviting Kate for a romantic date night at the opera whilst they stop off in Rome, however, things quickly take a dramatic turn. Jack's estranged daughter Mia make an unexpected arrival, throwing Jack's plans into chaos.

Channel 5 say of series two: 'As Jack investigates the murder of an opera troupe member, the situation spirals out of control when Mia runs away with a suspect from the investigation.'

Is there a trailer?

Yes, check it out below:

How many episodes does it have?

Series one of The Good Ship Murder was made up of eight 60 minute episodes.

Series two and three will follow in the same format.

When is it on TV?

Series two will start at 9pm on Friday 10th January 2025, with weekly episodes every Friday night.

Series one of The Good Ship Murder started at 9pm on Friday 13th October 2023.

The Christmas special aired on Wednesday 18th December 2024.

There's no date yet for series three.

Will there be more series?

It was announced that both Catherine and Shayne will return as the show was renewed for a second and third series.

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5, 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, added: “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.”

Filming for series three is due to begin once Shayne is finished on the 2025 Strictly tour.

What channel is it on?

The murder mystery airs on Channel 5.

How can I watch The Good Ship Murder?

All episodes of series one are available on 5 on Demand now, with series two airing every Friday night on Channel 5.

Who is in the cast?

Former X Factor star and Corrie actor Shayne Ward plays the main role in the drama, portraying the role of ex detective turned cabaret singer Jack Grayling,

Shayne is joined on the show by his former Corrie co-star Catherine Tyldesley, who plays newly promoted First Officer, Kate Woods.

Shayne said of series two: '"Jack still has massive admiration for Kate and the way she puts her work first - but he’s also wondering how long he has to keep trying to get her to let her guard down and see he’s actually a good guy! When people watch, they’ll be thinking ‘just get together!’

"What’s great about season two is that people from Jack’s past come into his present - his daughter Mia played by Millie Kent makes an entrance, and people he arrested when he was in the police force also come on the ship!"

Catherine added: "Shayne and I just click so the chemistry between Jack and Kate is easy. We have the best time! Season two felt like a different show, super-polished in every way. Filming flowed so much better because everybody knew what they were doing and we all knew our characters inside out. The way it’s been shot looks incredible - they’ve done an amazing job.

"Kate is incredibly career-driven. In season one, we saw her begin to thaw a little, but in season two, she really wrestles with wanting happiness in her personal life versus the fear that slowing down in her career could undo all her hard work. It’s a mental tug-of-war. She’s secretly head over heels for Jack, which complicates things because she’s so used to focusing solely on her career. It’s been brilliant fun to play! You see a much softer side to her this season, especially in her interactions with Jack. He brings out this thrilling, adventurous side in her—it’s exciting to solve crimes together. Honestly, their chemistry is electric, and it’s been a joy to bring that to life."

New additions for series two include former Hollyoaks actor Ross Adams, who plays the ship's new entertainment manager Colin Smallwood.

Actress Millie Kent has also joined the cast, playing the role of Jack's daughter Mia.

Other stars set to appear in the second series include Angela Lonsdale, Greg Wood, Lorna Laidlaw, Duncan Preston, Sue Jenkins, Danielle Henry, Chelsea Halfpenny, Matthew Wolfenden and Mark McGann.

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How can I watch the Christmas special?

The Christmas special aired at 9pm on Wednesday 18th December 2024 - and is now available to watch back on My5.

What happens in the Christmas special?

Channel 5 say of the Christmas special: 'The holiday season is off to a rocky start when the ship's resident Santa falls ill, threatening to disappoint the passengers. Bev puts Jack in charge of finding a replacement Santa, and his search leads him to Buddy, a veteran comedian in Dubrovnik who seems like the perfect fit.

'However, unexpected events complicate Jack's plan, leaving everyone scrambling to save Christmas on board... Meanwhile, Jamil sees the Santa situation as his big chance. Inspired by Jack and dreaming of a life on stage, he volunteers to play an elf, diving into the role with enthusiasm and giving it his all'.

It's recommended you catch up on series one before watching the Christmas special.

Have Shayne and Catherine worked together before?

Shayne and Catherine played the roles of Aidan Connor and Eva Price in popular soap Coronation Street, enjoying a close working relationship as their characters endured some pretty major storylines.

After Shayne's character Aidan cheated on Catherine's character Eva, she faked a pregnancy and caused Aidan to lose his factory, but later chose to forgive him in time for their wedding. Despite this, Aidan couldn't forgive Eva for her lies and the pair split up.

As soap fans will know, Shayne was then involved in one of Coronation Street's most hard-hitting storylines when his character Aidan took his own life in heartbreaking scenes in 2018.

After Shayne left the soap in August 2018, Catherine later quit her role in 2019, to focus on other acting work after seven years in Weatherfield.

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