This year, the first-ever Good Ship Murder Christmas special will be airing on Channel 5.

Shayne Ward and Catherine Tyldesley will be returning to the drama as detective turned cabaret singer Jack Grayling and First Officer Kate Woods.

The series became a hit with Channel 5 viewers in 2023 as the former Coronation Street favourites worked together on board the cruise ship to solve murders.

But what can you expect from the festive episode? Let’s find out.

What is The Good Ship Murder Christmas Special 2025 about?

The Radio Times synopsis reveals: “The holiday season is off to a rocky start when the luxury 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.”

Who is in The Good Ship Murder Christmas special? Returning and guest stars

This will be the first Christmas episode of The Good Ship MurderThis will be the first Christmas episode of The Good Ship Murder (Image: Channel 5) The rest of the cast returning to the festive edition of The Good Ship Murder are:

  • Claire Sweeney as Beverley
  • Geoffrey Breton as Piers
  • Zak Douglas as Jamil

Other cast members appearing for the first time include:

  • Kiza Deen (Hollyoaks, Doctors) as Frankie - the new head of security
  • James Barriscale (Hijack) as Captain Marlowe

However, some guest stars also will be featured in the episode, such as:

  • Cliff Parisi (Call the Midwife, EastEnders)
  • Naomi Radcliffe (Coronation Street)
  • Emily Stott (Foundation)
  • Victoria Schranz

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When is The Good Ship Murder Christmas special on TV?

The Good Ship Murder’s one-off festive episode will air on Wednesday, December 18 on Channel 5 and My5 at 9pm.

Catherine told PA news agency about filming the Christmas special: “When we pulled up to the set it was like Winter Wonderland. We were like two kids. 

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“The art department has done the most incredible job and Shayne and I love a theme.

“We love Christmas, we are all in. It’s brilliant. It’s camp. It’s musical. It’s funny. You’ve got the who has done it element. It’s all rounded excellent entertainment. And you’ve got the romance aspect, which then carries on throughout season two.

“There are so many really sweet moments between the two of them, but there’s always something that seems to get in the way.”