All Creatures Great and Small star Peter Davison has joined the cast of The Good Ship Murder for its upcoming fourth season.
The former Doctor Who star joins Shayne Ward, who leads the cast of the Channel 5 mystery drama as former police officer turned cruise ship singer, Jack Grayling.
© 5 Broadcasting Limited / Clapperboard ProductionsAn entertaining blend of cosy crime, lively cabaret performances and a glamorous, sun-soaked setting, this fun crime series is pure, lighthearted escapism.
Keep reading to find out all we know about season four so far…
Who has joined the cast of season four?
Peter Davison has joined the cast in the role of Jack's dad, Eddie Grayling, who is described as a "smooth-talking, streetwise silver fox".
"After 35 years as a copper in Serious Crimes, Eddie is still razor sharp, so when the ship sails into choppy waters, he brings his old-school policing methods out of retirement to form a crack crime-solving duo with his son," reads the synopsis.
In a statement, Peter said the "brilliant, tight-knit team" have welcomed him with open arms.
"Eddie Grayling is a delight to play, and Shayne and I have relished establishing a father and son dynamic in the Good Ship's sleuthing team," said the actor. "Shayne has made fitting in, and filming our many scenes, so easy. Even if it's obvious he can run a little faster, and sing a lot better than me."
© 5 Broadcasting Limited / Clapperboard ProductionsMeanwhile, Fiona Allen (Smack the Pony, Finding Emily) is set to play the trailblazing new captain, Serena 'The Iceberg' Teller, described as a "formidable figure, oozing class and style, who strikes fear into her crew". "But occasionally the ice thaws a little, and we catch a personal glimpse of a woman who has made huge sacrifices for her success."
A host of new guest stars are coming on-board for the new series, including Richard Blackwood (The Madame Blanc Mysteries, Eastenders), Anita Dobson (Doctor Who, Eastenders), Matthew Kelly (Inside No.9, Not Going Out), Rula Lenska (Mr Big Stuff, Coronation Street), Debra Stephenson (Bad Girls, Coronation Street), Neil Stuke (Hijack, Grantchester) and Ramon Tikaram (Kaos, Pennyworth).
What to expect from season four
In the upcoming season, Jack investigates more mysterious crimes aboard a luxury Mediterranean cruise ship.
© Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited/Clapperboard ProductionsThe synopsis reads: "Jack navigates new waters, both personal and professional, as high stakes mysteries unfold once more against the picture postcard backdrop of the sunny Mediterranean."
Catherine Tyldesley, who has played First Officer Kate Woods since the show's inception, will not return as a series regular. Her character is expected to bow out of the show in the season four premiere as part of a "special appearance".
© Jay Brooks / Channel 5Meanwhile, Greg Barnett, 5 Commissioning Editor, teased the new episodes as "hugely dramatic and entertaining".
He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that Peter and Fiona are joining the regular cast aboard The Good Ship Murder. Their brilliant performances will delight fans and definitely rock the boat! I'm further excited that we have secured such incredible guest-star appearances which will make this fourth series hugely dramatic and entertaining."
A release date for season four has yet to be announced.
