Gold's popular murder-mystery scripted comedy franchise written by Jason Cook, is returning for a third series. Dial M for Middlesbrough is the sequel to the hit features Murder on the Blackpool Express (pictured) and Death on the Tyne. Casting will be announced later this year.

Writer, Jason 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!"

The next outing sees the coach break down in the middle of nowhere - or to be specific, just outside Middlesbrough, in the middle of a fierce thunderstorm. Will our heroes survive the horrors of their enforced 'extra stop' - the sinister and dilapidated Beach Cliff Woods Caravan Park?

The Agatha Christie-inspired whodunnits have delivered incredible ratings for the channel, Jason Cook's first outing Murder on the Blackpool Express was the most watched show ever on Gold with 1.8 million viewers* tuning in during the first week. Followed by its 2018 sequel Death on the Tyne which was watched by 1.1million viewers during the first week.

Dial M for Middlesbrough is written by Jason Cook (Murder on the Blackpool Express, Death on the Tyne) and Ed Bye will return to direct. Executive producer is Andy Brereton (Murder in Successville, Crackanory) for Shiny Button. The UKTV Original was commissioned by UKTV's head of scripted Pete Thornton and ordered by director of commissioning Richard Watsham and Gerald Casey, channel director for Gold.

Pete Thornton, head of scripted said: "A new script from the extraordinary mind - and fingers I suppose - of Jason Cook is like Christmas coming early (very early in fact, as it arrived in February) 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 Shiny Button and another all-star cast."

Gerald Casey, channel director for Gold added: "We're committed to making more hilarious original comedy for Gold's audience and Jason Cook is serving up a real treat for them here."

Dial M for Middlesbrough will air later this year on Gold alongside much anticipated UKTV Original Dad's Army: Lost Episodes and recently announced sitcom The Cockfields, written by Joe Wilkinson and David Earl and starring Diane Morgan, Joe Wilkinson, Sue Johnston and Bobby Ball.