Channel 5 is set to deliver a festive treat for crime drama fans this Christmas with a two-hour Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special. The feature-length episode, described by star and creator Sally Lindsay as "very different," will air on Tuesday, 23 December at 8pm.
A Festive Feature-Length Mystery
Sally Lindsay reprises her role as antiques expert and amateur sleuth Jean White in this extended festive instalment. The special will run for an impressive 120 minutes, offering viewers a substantial slice of mystery to enjoy over the holidays. Lindsay revealed the inspiration came from her love of Christmas films, aiming to create an epic, self-contained story set within the show's universe.
"It is a separate story that does not progress the overall plot or any character arcs," Lindsay explained. "It simply exists within the world of Madame Blanc. We already have the characters established and the fans know them, so it felt right to put them into a Christmas situation that is different from usual."
Plot: A Ticking Bomb on Christmas Eve
The special's plot promises high stakes and festive tension. On Christmas Eve, Jean, Dom, Judith, and Jeremy are invited to an exclusive event at the Musée de Ste Victoire. Jean is asked to verify the authenticity of a rare Ormolu box once owned by Marie Antoinette. However, the festive atmosphere shatters when Jean opens the box to discover a bomb inside.
The episode unfolds in real time, following the frantic race against the clock as the bomb ticks down towards detonation. With only ninety minutes to go, the special promises murder, jealous lovers, precious antiques, and numerous twists and turns, presenting Jean with her toughest challenge yet.
Returning Favourites and Exciting Guest Stars
The core cast of the beloved series will all return for the Christmas special. Alongside Sally Lindsay as Jean White, viewers can expect to see:
- Steve Edge as Dom Hayes
- Sue Holderness and Robin Askwith as Judith and Jeremy Lloyd-James
- Alex Gaumond as Chief of Police André Caron
- Sue Vincent as Gloria Beaushaw
- Tony Robinson as Uncle Patrick
The episode is further bolstered by a line-up of notable guest stars. John Thomson (Cold Feet) joins as George Alfonse, with Kacey Ainsworth (EastEnders, Grantchester) playing his wife, Aurielle. Raji James (Hollyoaks) takes on the role of Dr Ali Pardeep, and Manjinder Virk (Trigger Point) portrays Sangita Pardeep.
Lindsay expressed her delight at working with the guest cast, noting she had wanted to collaborate with John Thomson for years. "Kacey Ainsworth plays his wife and they are a perfect match," she said. "There are lots of relationships playing out inside the museum over the two hours and they have a wonderful relationship to watch."
The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special airs on Channel 5 at 8pm on Tuesday, 23 December. It will be followed by Sally Lindsay's Christmas Quiz at 10pm. The special episode will also be available to stream on Channel 5's on-demand service.
