Michael Portillo will host a special programme set in the North East to celebrate the 200th anniversary of British Railways.
The opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway on September 27, 1825, is credited as being the birth of the modern railway. To celebrate the momentous occasion, the the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) Festival will take place from March 29 to November 30 2025, with a programme of events taking place at attractions along the lines – one of them Darlington’s recently-opened rail museum, Hopetown.
It has now been announced that the former Tory government minister turned broadcaster, 71, will present a two-part special series, 200 Years of the Railways. One episode will see the colourfully-trousered presenter travel to the North East by train to look at what the railways have achieved and their future – in the other he travels to the North West.
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His other programmes Great British Railway Journeys and Great Continental Railways Journeys, also return this year, the latter of which after a five year absence. In that series, Portillo will travel to Switzerland, Croatia, Bosnia, Norway, Denmark and France.
Michael Portillo said: “As ever, my adventures are brought alive by the wonderful characters whom I encounter along the way. This year we shall also produce a special series to celebrate the 200 years of railways in Britain and the world.”
Alex McLeod, commissioning editor for BBC Daytime, said: “The railways have been a rich part of our British heritage since they started, and who better to celebrate this momentous anniversary with but Michael Portillo, whose passion for trains is undisputed and infectious. The specials will entertain and educate and there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
200 Years Of The Railways airs later this year, but a date has not been confirmed. Great British Railways Journeys and Great Continental Journeys return to BBC Two from March 10.
Michael Portillo has previously visited the North East for Great British Railway Journeys, boarding the Tyne and Wear Metro at Tynemouth and riding Northumberland’s Passage to India train service to The Valley Restaurant in Corbridge.
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