ITV film "Albert's Memorial" on the Maersk Dunkerque

Put actor David Jason at the helm in any show and it’s bound to ride a wave of success!

That’s what producers are hoping for with a new ITV comedy drama partly filmed on Norfolkline's Maersk Dukerque ferry from Dover to Dunkirk (France).

"Albert's Memorial", which is currently being filmed by ITV, follows the story of three World War Two veterans, and has nothing to do with Uncle Albert from "Only Fools and Horses". It will be screened on ITV next year.

The story involves Jason’s character, along with a best friend, taking the body of a deceased pal back through France and on to Germany, to grant his last wish of being buried in Germany, where all three fought together at the end of World War Two.

During the trip, there are plenty of twists and turns as the drama unfolds, and of course, landing in Dunkirk is vital.

Jason, 68, has been in front of camera crews at Dover’s Eastern Docks and on board Norfolkline’s Maersk Dunkerque ferry en route to Dunkirk.

The star is renowned for a string of classic comedy characters, including Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses and Granville in Open All Hours. He also had a huge hit playing the curmudgeonly Detective Inspector Jack Frost.

Taking a break from filming on board the ferry, Jason was invited to meet the ship’s master, Captain Chris Roe, who showed him the controls.

Captain Roe said:

“It was a real pleasure to welcome David Jason and the ITV film production units on board the Maersk Dunkerque for filming.

Having someone with his television profile on the ship is not something that happens every day.

It was a privilege to be able to show him round the bridge and he took great interest in the ship’s controls, operational procedures and working life on board in general.”

Jason took time out between scenes to meet and chat to Norfolkline shoreside staff at the docks. They even played roles in the filming of several sequences, including one featuring a London taxi and other vehicles boarding Norfolkline ferries.

The actor said:

“It was very interesting to visit the bridge of the ferry during a break from filming.
Being told by the captain about some of the controls and operations that take place on board from the bridge was fascinating.”

Filming has now moved on to France and Germany.