Channel 5 Casts Leads for The Good Ship Murder

Shayne Ward (Coronation Street, Young Gun, Band of Gold) and Catherine Tyldesley (Scarborough, 15 Days, Viewpoint) have been cast in the lead roles of Channel 5’s murder mystery The Good Ship Murder (w.t.).

Set aboard a luxury cruise liner touring the Mediterranean’s holiday hotspots, the series sees a wave of murders at each port of call. Jack Grayling, a former police detective pursuing his dream of becoming a cabaret singer, teams with First Officer Kate Woods to solve the crimes.

Ward is set to star as Grayling, while Tyldesley will play Woods. The series is being produced by Clapperboard in association with Fifth Season. Fifth Season will also handle worldwide distribution.

“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,” Ward said. “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.”

Tyldesley 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?”

Mike Benson, managing director of Clapperboard, said, “As our most ambitious series to date, finding the right cast was absolutely key, so securing Shayne and Catherine has been the perfect complement to the amazing scripts written by Paul Mayhew Thompson and his team of writers. We’ve filmed across eight countries, and Shayne has given some unmissable performances. We can’t wait to share this wonderful series.”