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SOME people,mainly those who had never seen the show, were shocked when Cruising With Jane McDonald won the Features Bafta last month, beating No More Boys And Girls, Antiques Roadshow and The Secret Life Of The Zoo.
But then a very surprised McDonald took to the stage to give her acceptance speech, and it became apparent just what makes this show a success – the presenter’s natural charm and infectious enthusiasm.
However, it seems she’s still slightly baffled that the show now has a prestigious award to go along with its devoted following.
Speaking after winning the award, McDonald said: “It’s just me going on my holidays really. Who would’ve thought I’d get a Bafta from doing that? I would’ve done it ages ago if I would’ve known.
“It’s just fun, and I wanted to put fun into television. I think cruising’s had such a bad rap for such a long time, and I thought ‘no, I’m going to show it as it really is’. And I love it, I do love a cruise.”
It’s just as well McDonald is fond of being on the ocean waves. The Wakefield-born entertainer was working as a singer on the ship the Galaxy when it featured in the 1998 BBC docusoap The Cruise – and turned her into an overnight celebrity.
Since then, she’s gone on to become a TV presenter and a regular on Loose Women, but has clearly never lost touch with her roots. And while “cruise ship” has become a bit of a putdown on singing contests such as The X-Factor, she’s got nothing but praise for the people who perform on them.
She said: “I would say to people who keep criticising to go on and have a look and some of the people who are on there. There’s West End shows, massive productions, and if you don’t cut the mustard, you are sacked. So, I just smile very sweetly when that’s said, and think, well I haven’t done bad for an old cruise ship singer, have I really?”
Past series of her cruising travels have taken her to America, including visiting the famous beverly Hills Hotel, pictured, across the Mediterranean and European ports.
This time she sets sail for a two-part special that finds her exploring Australia and New Zealand. McDonald’s adventure begins with an open-top bus tour of Sydney and a trip to the Opera House, where she finds herself centre stage.
Then it’s on to Tasmania, where the presenter meets the staff and furry inhabitants of a wildlife sanctuary, including a very cheeky wombat.
Her next stop is New Zealand and Milford Sound, which lives up to its billing as the wettest place on Earth.
Eventually, she gets on to dry land for a visit to Dunedin, which has a rich Scottish heritage – although playing the bagpipes may be a step too far for McDonald.
The presenter is in a more reflective mood as she journeys to Christchurch, where she sees some of the devastation wrought by earthquakes, but also discovers that hope is emerging.
And after all that, who would begrudge her a glass (or more) of wine at a Marlborough vineyard? Maybe she can toast that Bafta win...