Pictured: Susan Calman by Steve Ullathorne
Comedian Susan Calman will replace Jane McDonald as the presenter of Cruising With and Holidaying With on Channel 5.
Her new role follows the success of her popular Channel 5 series Secret Scotland with Susan Calman.
Calman said: “I’m over the moon to be working with Channel 5 on such a prestigious group of shows.
“I can’t wait to go on exciting voyages and incredible journeys and take the wonderful viewers with me. It’s the start of a magnificent chapter and I can’t wait to get going.”
Ben Frow, director of programming at Channel 5, said: “Susan was my first and only choice for these shows and I am absolutely cock-a-hoop that she is doing more with Channel 5.
“I have encouraged her to make both shows uniquely hers and I am genuinely excited to see how she evolves them in her own, inimitable style. The world is, literally, her oyster and I can’t wait to travel it with her.”
Calman also tweeted about the news, saying: “*Exciting announcement klaxon* Cruising with Susan Calman is a thing! And it’s happening! Delighted to be presenting two more shows for the wonderful @channel5_tv. It’s going to be a busy year!!”
McDonald announced her departure last week from the formats which she has presented for nearly five years.
The star said she would now “spend some time in the UK”, to concentrate on her music and other projects.
APT and Clia UK both praised McDonald for boosting the profile of ocean and river cruising.