In a nostalgic television moment that delighted fans of classic British sitcoms, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph made a memorable guest appearance in the third season of Channel 5's The Good Ship Murder. The duo, forever etched in public memory as Sharon and Tracey from the beloved 1990s series Birds of a Feather, stepped aboard the show's floating setting to play bickering widows on a so-called 'grief cruise'.
A Thinly Veiled Reunion
Their characters were introduced as 'Elsa' and 'Tilly', but the flimsy disguise fooled absolutely no one. Lesley Joseph appeared in her signature leopardskin attire, while Linda Robson scowled with a familiar expression that longtime viewers would instantly recognise. The scene was set for a full reunion, with only Pauline Quirke's absence noted; the actress was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and is no longer able to work. Nevertheless, Robson and Joseph played up the nostalgia for all it was worth, evoking the spirit of their iconic BBC1 and ITV sitcom that dominated screens throughout the 1990s.
The Show's Steady Voyage
For those who might have missed its earlier journeys, it may come as a surprise that The Good Ship Murder is now firmly into its third season. The series is set aboard one of those vast floating cities that ply the Mediterranean, blending elements of cosy mystery, soap opera, and light entertainment into a unique televisual package. Imagine a cross between a low-budget Death In Paradise and the classic Crossroads, but set entirely at sea, and you will have a clear picture of the show's charming aesthetic.
Central Characters and Plot Threads
The narrative revolves around Shayne Ward's character, Jack Grayling, a ship's crooner and former police detective who concludes each episode with a cabaret number performed in a glittery suit under a mirrorball. These musical interludes typically feature former chart hits performed in the style of the great Tony Christie, drawing from artists like ABC, Toploader, and The Fine Young Cannibals. A slow-burn romance simmers between Jack and the ship's First Officer, Kate, portrayed by Catherine Tyldesley, fuelled by their shared passion for solving crimes and catching killers. They are also secretly conspiring against the captain, even plotting a mutiny—all for the safety of the passengers, of course.
Meanwhile, secondary plots add depth to the onboard drama, such as staff officer Piers attempting to pluck up the courage to ask the ship's doctor on a date. The series thrives on this blend of mystery and character-driven storytelling, set against the glamorous backdrop of a cruise liner.
Celebrity Guests Elevate the Fun
What the show needs to transform from mere television filler into a true guilty pleasure is a steady stream of celebrity guest stars. Previous episodes have featured appearances from Amanda Mealing of Casualty fame and former Coronation Street villain John Michie. However, the brace of Birds brought lashings more fun and energy to the screen. It was obvious from the very start that these so-called 'merry widows' were not in mourning at all.
In a clever plot twist, the urn that Elsa was clutching did not contain the ashes of her late husband, Timothy, but several packages of cocaine. This led to Jack delivering the best line of the episode: 'That's not Tim, it's Charlie!' The drama escalated when Tilly began throwing herself at every man she encountered, ultimately provoking Elsa to lose her temper and strangle her with the chain of a fake designer handbag—a darkly comic nod to the characters' historic tensions.
A Fitting Farewell to an Era
Birds of a Feather had its final flap in 2020, bringing the long-running sitcom to a close. For fans who may never see Tracey and Dorien on screen together again, this guest appearance in The Good Ship Murder serves as a fitting and nostalgic end. It allowed the actors to revisit their iconic dynamic in a fresh context, providing both humour and a touch of poignant closure for one of British television's most enduring partnerships.
