The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special | Preview (Channel 5)

It's Christmas Eve at the bustling Christmas market in Saint Victoire. Father and son puppeteers, Frederick and Christian, are in high spirits, laughing and drinking mulled wine.

Christian entertains the crowd with a puppet on each hand, while Frederick misses his cue when the character Guignol is called. Nearby, an innocent vendor cleaning up her stall screams in terror as she stumbles upon Frederick lying on the ground with a blood-soaked Guignol puppet still on his hand.

Meanwhile, at the chateau, Judith receives a shocking Christmas card from a former bridesmaid, revealing a disturbing truth about her marriage. Back at the market, Jean inspects the crime scene and something sinister about the puppet.

Joanna, Christian's mother, arrives at the market, having been informed by her granddaughter. In a moment of grief and tension, Christian accuses Joanna of being relieved to finally be rid of Frederick.

Later that evening, Dom is thrilled when Jean invites him to stay over. Already prepared, Dom collects his overnight bag from his car, Madeline which he's had packed ever since their first kiss.

On Christmas morning, Jean and Caron visit Joanna's home, where they meet Christian’s daughter Giselle and her stepfather Hans. As Jean observes the family, her suspicions deepen - she begins to wonder if Frederick’s death was more than an accident and if those closest to him might be involved.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special airs Christmas Eve at 9:15pm on Channel 5.