Two Men on a Bike, review: inoffensive viewing for the Lycra-clad centrist dad
Why are there so many TV shows in which middle-aged men chunter away about life, death and aching joints, but none with women? Perhaps it's because women are too busy holding the fort at home and don't have time for all this self-indulgent waffle? Just kidding! Women are all recording podcasts about the menopause and giving midlife make-up tips on Instagram.
Two Men On a Bike (More4) follows in the footsteps of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, The Trip and Rob and Romesh vs (listed in descending order of brilliance), by featuring two male comedians being droll while engaging in an activity. The comedians in this case are Hugh Dennis and David Baddiel, whose 40-year friendship dates back to the Cambridge Footlights, and the activity is cycling across the South of France.
It's affably inoffensive viewing for the Lycra-clad centrist dad, a view which I formed by myself but had confirmed when my husband caught a moment of it after cycling home from work and said: 'This sounds good, what is it?' The dynamic is that Dennis is a seasoned cyclist, while Baddiel has turned up on an electric bike and says that the padded insert in his cycling shorts makes him feel like he's wearing a nappy. The furthest that Baddiel has ever cycled is from his home in north London to Wembley Stadium, while Dennis has done 210km in a day.
Temperamentally, they're different too. Baddiel anxiously contemplates his own mortality and says he's very much with Dylan Thomas on the raging against the dying of the light thing. 'I don't think I've ever raged against anything,' says Dennis, equably.
It's unlikely that anyone watching has ever said to themselves, 'I wish I could go on a cycling holiday with Hugh Dennis and David Baddiel,' including the partners of Hugh Dennis and David Baddiel, but the hour passes pleasantly. We see the sights, including a food market in Bordeaux and a ride along the canal to Pont des Sables. It looks to be a delightful part of the world, and our enjoyment of the scenery is somehow not dented by these two discussing which of them is better at growing a beard.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Strictly star Wynne Evans announces engagement months after ‘dumping' claims
Wynne Evans has admitted he is feeling 'smug' after announcing he is engaged. Earlier this year the Welsh opera singer, 53, was sensationally dumped from the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour over comments he made involving host Janette Manrara. The 'unacceptable' joke referenced having a threesome with the dancer, 41. Soon after he apologised, saying he was 'deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate action caused' and would take a break from the public eye for 'self-reflection' and to 'prioritise my wellbeing'. At the time it was reported that he's been dumped by his girlfriend Liz Brookes, but it was then quickly clarified she was helping to 'rally around him'. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. A few months on, he's now revealed they are set to tie the knot. Posting a photo on Instagram of him getting down on one knee while in holiday in Morocco, Wynne shared: 'Big news… I got engaged! 💍 'This weekend in Morocco, somewhere between the couscous, the camels, and me limping around the souks like a man with no spatial awareness, I proposed to Liz — and she said yes! (No take-backs, I've checked.) 'She's clever, she's kind, she's got excellent taste in men. Absolutely no idea how I pulled that off, but here we are! Feeling very lucky, very happy, and just a tiny bit smug.' More Trending In the post, Wynne also shared a photo of their hands holding glasses of champagne, with Liz's engagement ring front and centre. Wynne and Liz are believed to have started dating last year after his divorce from his wife of 17years Tanwen Evans. View More » The former couple share two children, daughter Ismay and son Taliesin. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Jamie Borthwick suspended from EastEnders after using disabled slur during Strictly Blackpool special MORE: Strictly's Nick Knowles, 62, makes dancefloor return at wedding after shocking injuries MORE: Celebrity Race Across the World 'signs up' beloved Strictly duo
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Elizabeth Hurley, 60, strips down to birthday suit and confesses she's 'in love'
Elizabeth Hurley has celebrated turning 60 in style by sharing a cheeky picture in just her birthday suit, confessing she is 'in love'. In her Instagram post, the Austin Powers icon hinted at a 'wild ride' year, which included hard launching her relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus, 63. The pair shocked the world by posting a picture of them kissing on Instagram after meeting on the set of the 2022 film Christmas in Paradise. Weeks later, they were loved up in Rome, walking arm in arm at a Valentino event so things seem to be going strong so far with the famous duo. There was no direct mention of the Achy Breaky Heart hitmaker in her birthday post as Elizabeth stripped down for her 60th — but there was a subtle message to him. 'Happy birthday to me!' Liz captioned the snap on her social media, a sentiment echoed by her friends and family in the comments. She continued: 'This year has already been a wild ride; my 30th year of working with the Estée Lauder Companies, my 30th year as the Global Ambassador of the @esteelaudercompanies Breast Cancer Campaign, the 20th anniversary of @elizabethhurleybeach.' Somewhat casually, the model then revealed she is 'in love', which was followed by plenty of heart emojis. Presumably, she means in love with Billy Ray, who she went official with in April after his split with ex-wife Firerose, 36. 'Feeling very blessed and grateful for having the best friends & family in the world,' Liz said before casually adding: 'Pic taken this afternoon… in my birthday suit xxx.' Over on his Instagram, Billy Ray wished happy birthday to 'the love of my life ❤️' and shared a snap of them together. Liz responded with heart reactions, meanwhile, on her post birthday wishes flooded in from famous faces such as Sarah Michelle Gellar and Richard E. Grant. Her son Damian, 23, wrote: 'Hahahah I LOVE YOU ♥️♥️♥️ happy birthday mama xxx.' 'Congratulations beautiful smart funny Elizabeth ❤️ Wishing you the best birthday. Love you 🥳❤️😘,' added Heidi Klum. Actress Patsy Kensit, 57, penned: 'To my dearest wonderful friend for nearly 30 years …. So privileged to be spending your birthday with you and your glorious family… I never want to leave I have had the best day celebrating you.. 'Your the most beautiful kind human being and I will always love you forever… thank you for including me today and making magical memories and see you with your true love Billy who is so fabulous I'm so happy for you both and aunt ratticus loved her time with my gorgeous nephew D… one of the most special days I've had in a very long time. I love you ratticus rat ❤️❤️. [sic]' Liz and Billy Ray have not publicly spoken about their romance but a source confirmed to People Magazine she reached out after their film together. They said: 'Liz is great and visited him for Easter. They've been seeing each other romantically for a little bit. 'And how lucky is he? Liz is lovely. She's very warm, positive and the best to be around.' More Trending Billy Ray was previously married to Cindy Smith from 1986 to 1991, and then Tish Cyrus from 1993 to 2022, with whom he shares five kids, including Grammy-winning pop star Miley Cyrus, 32. Liz was previously married to Indian entrepreneur and businessman Arun Nayar from 2007 to 2010, and shared son Damian, 23, with late American businessman Steve Bing. She also had high-profile relationships with actor Hugh Grant – for 13 years – and cricket star Shane Warne, to whom she was engaged between 2011 and 2013 before amicably parting ways ahead of his death aged 52 in March 2022. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: R Kelly's lawyers accuse prison officials of 'soliciting inmate to kill him' MORE: Taylor Swift fans convinced she's secretly married Travis Kelce MORE: It's been 20 years since Brad Pitt 'left' Jennifer Aniston for Angelina Jolie – have we learned anything?
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Joy for Wynne Evans as he gets engaged after months of hell following Strictly drama
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRICTLY star Wynne Evans is to marry his girlfriend after proposing on holiday in Morocco. The opera singer, 53, got down on one knee in Marrakesh on Saturday to propose to Liz Brookes who has loyally stood by him following his axing by the BBC. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Wynne Evans has got engaged to his partner Liz Credit: Instagram 2 The singer shared his happy news with fans Credit: Instagram The happy couple are expected to wed next year. Wynne shared snaps of the happy occasion and told fans: "Big news… I got engaged! "This weekend in Morocco, somewhere between the couscous, the camels, and me limping around the souks like a man with no spatial awareness, I proposed to Liz — and she said yes! (No take-backs, I've checked.) "She's clever, she's kind, she's got excellent taste in men. Absolutely no idea how I pulled that off, but here we are! "Feeling very lucky, very happy, and just a tiny bit smug." A source told The Sun: "It has been a tumultuous six months for Wynne but Liz has been his absolute rock throughout. "Finally some wonderful news for Wynne and his inner circle to celibate and everyone is chuffed for them both. "He secretly bought an engagement ring and squirrelled it away for their holiday, and then popped the question over champagne. "Liz has been incredible over the past few months, supporting him through thick and thin, and had his back throughout, but obviously Wynne is telling everyone she's a lucky girl!" Liz, 50, who runs her own successful events company in Cardiff, met the star at one of her do's in Wales. He asked her out for a coffee the next day, and they have been together for the past 18 months. Wynne Evans confirms he's been AXED by the BBC after probe as he shares emotional statement News of the engagement comes after the BBC confirmed it would not be renewing the Go Compare frontman's rolling contract. It followed a protracted internal investigation into claims he used an inappropriate sexual term at the official photocall of the Strictly tour in January. Wynne was previously married to wife of 16 years, Tanwen, with whom he has two kids. They divorced in 2016 which, he later revealed, saw his mental health plummet and left him feeling suicidal. Wynne, who was partnered with Katya Jones on Strictly, was seen being cheered on by Liz in the audience. Speaking about his disappointment about being dropped by the Beeb, the 2023 Celebrity Masterchef winner said: 'My beloved Wynners, From the very depths of my heart — thank you. 'These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know. 'It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted.' Wynne has now copyrighted his name and will be launching his own radio show.
