The comedy duo reunite for the third chapter in Gold's whodunit series, Dial M For Middlesbrough. Gemma Dunn finds out more.

Super-sleuthing Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson are joined by a killer group of comedy greats in Dial M For Middlesbrough, the latest outing of the Draper's Tours hit franchise.

This third instalment in the trilogy - the first and second being Murder On The Blackpool Express and Death On The Tyne - sees Gemma (Gibson) and Terry (Vegas) thrown into jeopardy when their coach breaks down following a fierce thunderstorm whilst they're on their way to a funeral in Middlesbrough.

The intrepid duo are forced to seek refuge in Shady Creek Caravan Park, a mysterious place that houses an eclectic mix of characters from site owners Evie (Sally Lindsay) and Jed (Phil Davis), to clumsy chef Susan (Joanna Page) and events manager Darren (Jason Donovan).

Whether any of them survive remains to be seen - but regardless, it's brilliant festive viewing, say comedy double-act Vegas and Gibson.

WHY HAVE THE FIRST TWO FILMS IN THIS SERIES STRUCK SUCH A CHORD?

J: It's a terrific ensemble every year and it's great writing, but there is also always the buzz of, 'Who's in the next one?' It has a very wide appeal as well. It has what I call the 'Bingo Factor'. If it's discussed at the bingo by your mum and her friends, it's a success. You also know it's a hit when people from all generations stop you in the street to say, 'I did like that thing you did'.

S: I also hope people love the relationship between Terry and Gemma. It's something you can sit and watch as a family [and] it's very rare that you get a comedy which appeals across the generations like this.

VIEWERS CERTAINLY DO LOVE THEIR RELATIONSHIP. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?

J: For a start, Sian is an absolutely brilliant actress - she has impeccable comic timing. Also, we get on so well off-camera, and that plays into what we do on-camera. We are playing it as straight as we can - Terry and Gemma are two normal people in ludicrous situations. We have perfected the bemused look to each other.

S: Working together feels very natural. The beauty of these films is that while everything else is larger-than-life, Johnny and I try to play the truth of the situation. We are the Everymen.

SO WHERE DO WE FIND TERRY AT THE START OF DIAL M FOR MIDDLESBROUGH?

J: He's in a very good place. At the end of the first film, he got the girl of his dreams. And at the end of the second film, she's agreed to marry him. Now Terry is making all the wedding plans because he definitely needs it to happen! [Also] the hunt for the murderer is a big turn on for Gemma. She likes to see Terry step to the fore and deal with things.

WHAT DOES GEMMA SEE IN TERRY?

J: What women see in me in real life - a project! Terry is the emotional equivalent of an Airfix model - 'I'm going to gently dismantle and rebuild you in a way that makes both of us happy'. Terry and Gemma's relationship has developed slowly - I don't think Terry would stand a chance at speed dating with Gemma. They have worked together for a long time and she's looking for someone who will really look after her, so when it happens, they know each other inside out.

S: There is a real common ground between them - they laugh at the same things, they have the same sense of humour and a real understanding of each other. It was a gradual falling in love, but he caught her attention at a time when she needed it. Also, Terry is so lovable. It's easy to see why Gemma would fall for him.

JASON DONOVAN ALSO STARS IN THIS CHAPTER. HOW WAS THAT?

S: That's the real reason I did this! Can you believe it? It's Jason Donovan! Who'd have thought it? We're all very starstruck. He's gorgeous. When we were younger, he was a sensation. He was a beautiful, exotic Australian hunk, and now we are all reliving our late teens. I can't get sacked now, but the casting of Jason was meant to be confidential. However, I've been telling all the mums at school about it, and I've never been so popular. I've never had so many text messages from other mums!

FINALLY, WHY DOES DIAL M FOR MIDDLESBROUGH WORK SO WELL AT CHRISTMAS?

J: Because it's event television. Even though everything is multi-platform these days, at Christmas people still gather around the TV and watch things together. This is the ideal show to watch as a family at Christmas.

S: When the first film came out, I showed it to a few friends. I didn't actually think it would be their cup of tea - it's not Breaking Bad. But they all said, 'This is perfect Christmas viewing'. Christmas is a time when you want to relax and be entertained and watch something funny together. Hopefully people will know they're getting great stuff - and Jason Donovan! Who is not going to turn their telly on for that? I would!

Dial M For Middlesbrough, Gold, today at 9.15pm.