Dial M For Middlesbrough follows Murder On The Blackpool Express and Death On The Tyne

Jason Cook is to write a third feature-length murder-mystery for Gold, following the success of Murder On The Blackpool Express and Death On The Tyne.

Dial M For Middlesbrough is again expected to have a star-studded cast, although no names will be announced until  later this year.

The previous two Agatha Christie-inspired  shows have revolved around coach driver Terry, played by Johnny Vegas, and his tour guide Gemma, played by Sian Gibson.

In the new story, the coach will break down just outside Middlesbrough in the middle of a fierce thunderstorm, forcing the coach party to take shelter in the sinister and dilapidated Beach Cliff Woods Caravan Park.

Cook said: ‘I'm absolutely overjoyed to be back to tell another tale of murder and stupidity! We've got some great new twists and turns in this year's show and I'm hoping we can add a layer of horror to the already terrifying prospect of a caravan holiday.’

Veteran comedy director Ed Bye will return to call the shots.

Cook’s previous whodunits have delivered strong ratings for the channel, with  Murder On The Blackpool Express becoming the most watched show ever on Gold, with 1.8 million viewers  tuning in during the first week. Its stars included Nigel Havers, Kevin Eldon, Kimberley Nixon, Sheila Reid and Griff Rhys Jones.

Pete Thornton, UKTV’s head of scripted programmes, said: ‘A new script from the extraordinary mind - and fingers I suppose - of Jason Cook is like Christmas coming early and he's really pulled out all the stops. 

‘We are very excited to be getting back on the bus with him, the hugely talented team at [production company] Shiny Button and another all-star cast. 

Written by: Jason Cook
Directed by: Ed Bye
Executive producer: Andy Brereton  for Shiny Button
Commissioned by: UKTV's head of scripted Pete Thornton
Ordered by: Director of commissioning Richard Watsham and Gerald Casey, channel director for Gold.

Published: 11 Jun 2019