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Jane McDonald quits Channel 5 cruise show

Broadcaster Jane McDonald is “stepping away” from her Channel 5 show Cruising with Jane McDonald after four and a half years.

In a statement on her website, the star said she would now “spend some time in the UK”, concentrate on her music and other projects.

The seventh – and final – series of the popular cruise show is currently being filmed.

This year, a new programme called Holidaying with Jane McDonald on Channel 5 with the TV presenter began.


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She said: “By now you will have seen the news about me stepping away from my shows on Channel 5.

“It’s been an incredible four and a half years of travelling, 38 cruises and over 100 flights.

“I want to offer my most sincere thanks to everyone who has worked on all my shows.

“It’s been a total joy to work with everyone and thank you very much to everyone who has watched and supported the shows. I have had a blast!”

The programme features the former cruise ship singer on a range of different ocean-going and river vessels around the world.

In 2018, Cruising with Jane McDonald scooped a Bafta television award in the features category.

Andy Harmer, Clia UK and Ireland director, said: “One of the things that the programme did was break down those barriers to cruise for people.

“What Jane did was made people realise that cruise is not a holiday for somebody else.

“She did an amazing job. We will miss her.”

UK and Europe managing director Paul Melinis hailed McDonald as “a phenomenal ambassador” for the cruise sector.

In the sixth series, McDonald sailed with APT on an eight-day Balkan Gems Luxury River Cruise.

“We appreciate all the hard work that she’s done,” Melinis added.

“Her personality and passion for the sector has lifted the profile of river cruising in particular.”

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