Claire Sweeney mistaken for cruise ship worker while filming new TV drama

02 October 2023 , 14:57

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Claire Sweeney mistaken for cruise ship worker while filming new TV drama

Actress Claire Sweeney was hilariously mistaken for a cruise ship worker while filming her new TV drama The Good Ship Murder on a Mediterranean cruise liner.

The 52 year old star, who became a household name following her stint on Channel 4's soap opera Brookside between 1991 and 2003, was wearing the cruise ship uniform when guests thought she was a genuine member of staff. In an a recent interview, the TV star said: "When I was in the uniform and I was heading to the buffet, people would ask me for directions or ask me what time certain things were happening on the ship."

Claire Sweeney stars in new TV drama The Good Ship Murder

The Corrie star is starring in the new drama (MCPIX/REX/Shutterstock)

She added: "Some of them even complained to me about stuff. It was easier just to answer the questions than to explain that I was filming a drama!” And in an even more bizarre twist to the tale, Claire revealed that she tried to maintain a smart appearance after filming had wrapped.

She continued to tell the Daily Star: "When we finished ­filming, I’d want to take off my high heels and put my flip flops on or loosen my outfit. But I felt like I should stay looking smart because I looked like an officer. I didn’t think I should be seen walking around and carrying my shoes!”

However, when Claire was off duty, she finally got recognised by fans for being a TV personality. She said: "I’d try to get through the buffet quick and I had no chance. Once I got talking to everyone, nothing happened fast." The Good Ship Murder, that stars former singer Shayne Ward and actress Catherine Tyldesley, focuses on an ex-detective, turned cabaret singer Jack Grayling, who notices a sinister side to the Mediterranean cruise ship after a body is found – and sets about getting to the bottom of it.

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The series, which starts on Friday 13 October, has already released a few hints of what viewers are set to expect. The show's teaser said: "As the cruise embarks from Southampton, Jack crosses paths with the newly promoted First Officer, Kate Woods. She’s a formidable, ambitious woman determined to succeed in a male-dominated domain, eager to prove herself."

It added: "Yet, when a passenger’s lifeless body is discovered at their first port of call, Kate’s aspirations of commanding her own vessel are suddenly jeopardized, and Jack finds himself thrust back into the role of detective he once knew so well."

And Catherine, who plays Kate Woods, 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?”

Lucretia Munro