How to watch The Good Ship Murder Christmas special
Starring Shayne Ward and Catherine Tyldesley
Last updated 19th Dec 2024
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. And now, as we wait patiently for season two, fans can enjoy the show's Christmas special - which aired 18th December!
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. Find out everything you need to know below...
When is 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.
When is series two out?
It has been confirmed that series two of The Good Ship Murder will land on Channel 5 on Friday 10th January 2025, at 9pm.
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.”
What will happen in series two?
Bosses are yet to reveal the plot for series two, but it is expected to follow Catherine and Shayne's characters Kate Woods and Jack Grayling.
Announcing series two's release date, Channel 5 wrote: 'After a stunning season as the charming cruise ship singer, Jack's detective instincts are strong as ever and ready for a brand new series 🕵️♀️ 🚢'.
What is The Good Ship Murder about?
The Good Ship Murder is a murder mystery drama series on Channel 5.
The synopsis for series one reads: 'The Good Ship Murder is set aboard a luxury cruise liner touring everyone's favourite Mediterranean holiday hotspots bubbling with intrigue, rivalries, glamour, money and class divides. Its new cabaret singer, ex detective Jack Grayling (Shayne Ward), soon discovers there are also more sinister elements below the surface.
'On a cruise out of Southampton, Jack meets newly promoted First Officer, Kate Woods (Catherine Tyldesley), before a passenger is found murdered in their first port of call. What follows is a wave of murder mysteries – each set against the backdrop of a different stunning coastal destination where the ship has dropped anchor'.
Check out the trailer for series one 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 one of The Good Ship Murder started at 9pm on Friday 13th October 2023.
The Christmas special aired on Wednesday 18th December 2024.
Series two will start at 9pm on Friday 10th January 2025.
There's no date yet for series three.
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.
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.
Speaking about his upcoming role and reuniting with good friend Catherine, former X Factor winner Shayne said before filming: "I’m really excited to be taking on this exciting role in this brand-new drama. Allowing me to combine my two passions: music and acting. It really is a dream come true!
"Getting to work alongside my good friend Catherine again has been magical, and all while cruising around the Mediterranean…heaven. I can’t wait for everyone to meet Jack Grayling and his unlikely team and get on board the Good Ship Murder."
Catherine, who has starred in shows such as Viewpoint and Scarborough in recent years, added: "I’ve loved taking on the role of Kate and keeping Jack in his place at sea. Being reunited with Shayne on a Mediterranean cruise has been so much fun and this series has been a joy to make and I’m sure will be a joy to watch – who doesn’t love a cruise?’."
Other cast members include Claire Sweeney, Zak Douglass, Geoffrey Breton, Tommaso Basili, Jane Slavin, Olivia Fenton and Nikolai Tsankov.
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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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