Channel 5 has confirmed that Susan Calman will be the new presenter of TV shows Cruising With and Holidaying With, replacing broadcaster Jane McDonald.

The Scottish comedian and presenter, recently seen on Secret Scotland with Susan Calman, will explore a host of popular cruise and holiday destinations, Channel 5 revealed.

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.”

Jane McDonald, who presented the show for more than four years, announced her decision to step down last week (28 February), stating that she was keen to “spend some time in the UK”, while teasing some “exciting new projects”.

She added: “It’s been an incredible four and a half years of travelling, 38 cruises and over 100 flights. I want to offer my most sincere thanks to everyone who has worked on all my shows. Everyone at Channel 5 and Viacom International Studios who have all helped make the most incredible and successful programmes.

“It’s been a total joy to work with everyone and thank you very much to everyone who has watched and supported the shows. I have had a blast.”

Commenting on Calman’s new role, Channel 5 director of programming, Ben Frow, added: “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.”

The Cruising With series, which won a BAFTA in 2018 in the features category, has featured itineraries ranging from the Baltics to Alaska, the Mekong and Mississippi, as well as a number of cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Victory Cruise Lines and Hurtigruten.