FALLING STARS

A gang of big names from the 1980s are the prime suspects for a murder as crime duo Mcdonald & Dodds return

Agroup of old chums, quaffing champagne as their hot-air balloon soars above the English countryside. What could possibly go wrong? As it happens, quite a lot as a fellow passenger of the pals – played by Martin Kemp, Patsy Kensit, Rupert Graves and Cathy Tyson – plunges to his death before the balloon crash-lands in Bath.

Investigating whether Frankie Marsh jumped or was pushed is the task of Mcdonald & Dodds, the chalk-and-cheese detective duo, who are back for a new three-episode series after their successful debut on ITV last year.

Assisted by air-crash investigator Roy Gilbert (Rob Brydon), at least they know who their potential suspects are – the other four occupants of the balloon, Gordon Elmwood (Rupert), Barbara Graham (Patsy), Mick Elkins (Martin) and Jackie Somner (Cathy).

‘They each rose to fame in the 1980s, were friends then and still are today,’ says Rupert Graves.

‘But they’re keeping a secret,’ adds Patsy Kensit, ‘which dates back to the 1980s.’

It turns out they each own luxury flats in the same block in Bath. Frankie had an apartment there too, for which he paid £900,000 – despite being a minicab driver.

There’s a strong 80s vibe to the episode as Gordon, Barbara, Mick and Jackie whizz along a country lane in a classic open-top VW Golf en route to their balloon ride, with

Haircut 100’s 1982 hit Fantastic Day providing the soundtrack.

Of course, the actors playing the four suspects have strong links to the 80s. Rupert first came to prominence in movies A Room With A View in 1985 and Maurice in 1987, while Martin Kemp was a member of Spandau Ballet, who topped the charts with True in 1983.

Cathy Tyson found fame in the

movie Mona Lisa in 1986, and Patsy Kensit starred in 80s films such as Absolute Beginners and Lethal Weapon 2, as well as being in a hit pop band, Eighth Wonder.

Patsy says her character Barbara Graham isn’t based on her, commenting, ‘She’s a cross between the late TV presenter Paula Yates and 80s pop star Clare Grogan.’

But Martin Kemp admits to

being more like the man he plays. ‘Mick is a bit of a rogue, a mover and a shaker in the 80s who’s partly based on other, real-life people – though I can’t say who because they’re still around – but largely on me!’ laughs the former Spandau Ballet bass player.

Jason Watkins, who plays DS Dodds, admits to being a tiny bit starstruck while filming this week’s episode. ‘I was a big Spandau Ballet fan so enjoyed meeting Martin, and it was great to chat to Patsy Kensit because she was in a TV show in the 80s called Silas Marner and we gave our eldest son, Freddie, the middle name Silas.

‘Cathy is an icon, Rupert’s brilliant too and it was nice to be reminded of the 80s – when I still had hair!’ n

Tim Oglethorpe Mcdonald & Dodds, tomorrow, 8pm, ITV.