Heartbeat

In the festive special, Todd Carty appears as an old acquaintance of Lord Ashfordly, a figure from his past. His unexpected bond with a teenage offender draws the attention of the police, who begin to suspect his motives in the community.

Auld Acquaintance is a television programme presented as a single episode, positioned as a festive special within its overall series. It aired as part of the series' holiday lineup, delivering a compact story that still reflects the show's usual tone. Though brief, the installment maintains the series' characteristic style while offering a seasonal twist that sets it apart from the regular entries. The episode features guest star Todd Carty, who turns up as an old friend of the aristocratic Lord Ashfordly. Carty’s character becomes central to the story when his unexpected bond with a teenage offender catches the eye of the police, prompting them to scrutinise his motives. Their interaction quickly becomes the focal point of the investigation. The unlikely alliance between the former companion of Lord Ashfordly and the youthful criminal creates a tension that drives the narrative forward. As the police grow increasingly wary, their suspicion forms the core conflict, forcing the characters to navigate the delicate balance between loyalty and the law. The tension is heightened by the seasonal setting, which contrasts with the seriousness of the police inquiry. Set against a festive backdrop, the special uses the holiday atmosphere to contrast the darker undertones of the investigation. Todd Carty’s guest appearance adds a familiar face to the storyline, while the focus remains on the strained relationship and the police’s mounting doubts about the partnership. The holiday ambience serves as a subtle backdrop, underscoring the uneasy dynamics without detracting from the central mystery.