Channel 5 crime drama The Good Ship Murder made its highly anticipated return on Friday (January 10) as fans eagerly tuned in for the launch of the hit series. Airing just weeks after the Christmas special, retired detective turned cabaret singer Jack Grayling, played by Shayne Ward, reappeared to solve the murder of an opera singer on board.
But as fans awaited the hotly-anticipated return of the former X Factor winner, who stars alongside former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley, they were forced to switch off after being faced with a schedule clash against popular BBC One series, The Traitors.
Fans were disappointed to learn that the launch episode would air at the exact same time as the hit rival show, and many argued they were already “too invested” in The Traitors to abandon that ship for this one.
“Can someone explain to me why the first episode of #TheGoodShipMurder is on the same time at the traitors? I'm already invested in the traitors so switching off sorry Shayne!” one fan mused.
Another penned: “The biggest problem with #TheGoodShipMurder is that it clashes with The Traitors! not the best planning is it CH5?”
"I’m sorry as handsome as you are @shayneTward and I LOVE your songs at the end of The Good Ship Murder priority has to go to @ClaudiaWinkle and #TheTraitors tonight to watch live so you are banished to catch up…. I’m so sorry," a third chimed.
Claire Sweeney, who played cruise director, Beverley, in the first series, did not return due to scheduling conflicts with Coronation Street, where she stars as Cassie Plummer. Her role on The Good Ship Murder has been taken over by Hollyoaks actor Ross Adams, playing cruise director Colin Smallwood, who has been a hit with fans.
One person wrote on X: “Loving Colin on The Good Ship Murder.” Someone else said: “Sad Claire’s not back but I’m liking the new director.”
Another penned: “I bloody love Colin.” Another chimed in and declared: “You never disappoint Mr Rosco!!!!”
Speaking to the press about Sweeney’s departure, co-stars Shayne and Catherine, empathised with her decision and expressed hope for her eventual return.
Shayne, who plays singer Jack Grayling, said: "To lose Claire was sad for us all. But hopefully not for good. We know that she's deep in the scripts for Coronation Street, and me and Cath have been there.
"We know when you're involved in such big storylines, you're going to be committed to that. So there's always room [for Claire in the cast]. And she's such a character as well for the show, that she is missed."
