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The Herald Scotland
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Has Ewan McGregor mellowed or is he still a Mr Grumpy Chops?
Back in 2004 they were just two skinny drifters on motorbikes, off to see the world, and what a lot of it there was to see in Long Way Round (London to New York), Down (John O'Groats to Capetown); and Up (Ushuaia in Argentina to LA. Now the pair are back with Long Way Home (Apple TV+). The route will take them from Scotland to England via 17 European countries. Like their chosen bikes, both men are now of a certain vintage, MAMILS in leather rather than Lycra, and in the case of Boorman with a long and painful history of repairs. For all those reasons and more - that title for a kick off - Long Way Home felt like a farewell. As McGregor said in the first episode, film companies don't like you heading off on motorbikes. Think of the insurance for a start. But here they were, Charley and Ewan, or Ewan and Charley if you prefer. It always seemed like McGregor was the alpha of the pair, the more charismatic but grumpier one. Now in his fifties, had time mellowed him? As the halfway point approached, the pair were in Norway, having been through Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. So far there had been no outbreak of the Victor Meldrews on McGregor's part, though he looked narked when a kid in Sweden pumped up the volume in his Volvo sound system. McGregor issued a word to the wise about hearing damage, but that was it. With megabucks Apple TV+ now running the show there had been an upgrade in everything. The stop-offs were more interesting, and the back-up consisted of a third-person motorcycle escort plus a small crew in two electric trucks. Apart from that, the pair are all alone out there (eye roll number two). Read more I shouldn't mock because the back-up was needed when someone took a slight spill which could have been much worse. 'It's a pleasure riding with you Ewan,' said Boorman. 'It's been a pleasure riding with you too Charley, as always,' came the reply. If this is the last hurrah they are going out in style and, in McGregor's case, in a most unspanner-like way. Safe home, boys. Scotland's Home of the Year (BBC1, Monday) has a reputation as a no-snark zone. So when a whiff of trouble enters paradise, as it did this week, it stands out like a broken window in a Bearsden cul-de-sac. The first contender for the Highlands and Islands top spot was Tiny Skye Cabin, a small but perfectly formed structure down a dirt path. The interior was a study in minimalism. On the floor was a brown, indeterminate animal skin. It could have come from a sheep or a small bear. At least it cosied the place up a little, unlike the 'sofa', which was a wooden bench. 'This is SO comfortable,' said Danny in what must surely be the first sarky remark in the show's history. Overall the extreme Ikea vibe was not cutting it with the judges. Oh, they praised aspects here and there, and judge Banjo caused giggles in the wet room when he 'accidentally' turned the shower on, but there was no getting away from it. The homeowners had committed the ultimate SHOTY crime of offences against soft furnishings - mainly by not having them. 'I feel like we're in Marie Kondo's house,' said judge Banjo, referencing the Netflix organising queen. 'She says throw it out if it doesn't spark joy. These guys have thrown a lot of stuff out.' Much more the judges' cuppa was An Cala Cottage on Skye. The traditional bungalow, home to Caroline, Lee, and their collie Nuala, had been transformed using colour, charity shop finds and a custom-made bookcase. 'It's simple and unapologetic, and maybe a bit scruffy. I quite like it,' said Danny. An Cala took first place. It was a cosy spot, but the score was the same as last week's modernist masterpiece in Central and Tayside. Do the two really compare? That's a battle for the final. Rose Ayling-Ellis is having a moment. Make that more than a moment. Since winning Strictly she hasn't put a foot wrong, and this week she took on her first lead role in the crime drama Code of Silence (STV, Sunday-Monday). It was an above-par piece by writer Catherine Moulton (Baptiste, Hijack), but by far the best thing about it was Ayling-Ellis. She played Alison Brooks, a young deaf woman washing pots in a local branch of His Majesty's constabulary in Canterbury, Kent. Called upstairs to CID one day, she was told 'all our lip readers are busy on other jobs' and would she mind helping out? There was no time to stop and ponder whether that would happen because too much else was going on. Like Alison, the viewer was dropped into the middle of a fast-moving investigation and had to crack on regardless. In another life, this clever young woman might be rising through the CID ranks herself instead of being paid minimum wage to help them out now and then. Not that Moulton, herself hearing-impaired, would be so crass as to point this out. Instead, the look on Alison's face said it all. Used to feeling invisible and excluded by her disability, she was now 'seen' and accepted. She could get used to this. 'I don't want to be hearing,' she said. 'I just want them to be a bit deaf.' The same lightness of touch was seen in the way Code of Silence handled lip-reading. As Alison watched, words and parts of words floated onto the screen before swimming into focus. Clarkson's Farm (Amazon Prime Video) returned for a fourth series. Confession time: I've never watched it. As a bunny-hugging veggie feminist Scot, I just assumed there was nothing in it I would enjoy and a lot that would irritate. But as a TV critic that lily-livered attitude will not do. The show is a global hit, with fans trekking from all over the world to Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm in Chipping Norton to worship their beer-bellied God. Must be something in it, right? Which was how I came to spend an evening watching a young farmer lead a packed theatre in a singalong of The Combine Harvester (Brand New Key) and thinking the English were a weird lot. On stage was Kaleb Cooper, Clarkson's farm manager. In the new series, Kaleb has run off to join the showbiz circus, leaving Jezza on his tod. He was not happy. 'I'm thrilled to bits for Kaleb,' he said, fighting his way through the mud and rain to feed the pigs. 'I'm not a socialist. I want him to do well. I want him to make money. I want him one day to be able to buy his own farm. But he has left me a little bit in the lurch.' Scene after scene followed of Clarkson stuffing things up. When not out in the fields he was at his desk, filling in forms to get government money. He was like The Archers' Brian Aldridge, but useless. Help arrived in the form of Harriet, a young agency farmer. She was a tea person, Clarkson was coffee, but somehow they got along. Was there any chance they wouldn't? That said, the whole enterprise stands or falls on its central character. If you don't care for him, his earthy humour, his general jeans-wearing old fogey schtick, there was unlikely to be anything to detain you here. Tiny Skye Cabin was a masterclass in minimalism (Image: PHOTOGRAPHER:IWC Media) Long stretches of not very much happening followed. He ordered eight tractors to test-drive and they all turned up at once. I think it was supposed to be hilarious. I could have also done without the pigs going off to slaughter. But there were moments when he put all that 'stuff and nonsense' bluster to one side and came across as a decent sort, as when he and Harriet chat about farming's toll on mental health, particularly among young men. As for how much time I'd like to spend with him in future, not sure. If he gave up the meat and became more of a Paul and Linda McCartney, Mull of Kintyre-type farmer, maybe. But you can bet whatever farm you like - that's never going to happen.
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Long Way Chat Ticket Presale and Prices: Here's how to see Ewan McGregor live on stage talking epic motorbike journeys
One of Scotland's biggest ever movie stars will be appearing at a one-off live event talking about his travels with his best friend. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Best known for a string of roles in blockbuster films, Scottish actor Ewan McGregor has a sideline in organising epic motorcycle adventures. David Alexanian, Charley Boorman, Ewan McGregor and Russ Malkin are putting on a special one-off live show. | Contributed It was back in 2004 when he filmed Long Way Round for Sky One, setting off on a journey from London to New York with pal Charley Boorman - travelling through Europe, Asia, and Alaska. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Long Way Down followed in 2007 on BBC Two, which saw the duo ride from John o' Groats in Scotland, through 18 countries, to Cape Town in South Africa. It took another 13 years for the next adventure to be organised and filmed for AppleTV - Long Way Up documented a journey from Ushuaia in Argentina, through South and Central America, to Los Angeles in the United States. And this year the fourth in the series arrived, with Long Way Home a circular journey through 17 European countries, starting from Ewan McGregor's home in Scotland and Charley Boorman's house in England. To mark the most recent series - and 20 years of motorcycle adventures - the pair will be appearing at a special live event, entitled Long Way Chat. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tickets are likely to be fairly popular - so here's everything you need to know to bag a couple. When is Long Way Chat taking place? The one-off event will be taking place on Saturday, August 30. Where is Long Way Chat taking place? The Long Way Chat will take place at Nottingham's Motopoint Arena. It's a five hour drive from the Central Belt of Scotland - or around six hours by train - so it's a fair trek from Scottish fans. At least it's on a Saturday though, so you can make a weekend of it. When do tickets for Long Way Chat go on sale? Tickets go on public sale at 10am on Friday, May 23, here. Is there a presale for Long Way Chat? Sign up here to be sent a presale code to access ticket for Long Way Chat early, from 10am on Thursday, May 22. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How much are tickets for Long Way Chat? The cheapeast tickets are priced at £47.59, with other price bandings at £58.89, £76.40, and £110.30. What will happen at Long Way Chat? Here's what the advance publicity for the show promises: 'Experience the thrill of adventure with Long Way Chat, an exclusive live event inspired by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's iconic motorcycle journeys: Long Way Round, Long Way Down, Long Way Up and their most recent series Long Way Home (all streaming on Apple TV+). This immersive show brings fans face-to-face with the stories behind the cameras, offering a dynamic blend of storytelling, film footage, and behind-the-scenes insights from the road. 'Hosted in an intimate setting, Ewan and Charley, along with their long-time collaborators, David Alexanian and Russ Malkin, take the stage to relive the highs and lows of their global expeditions—battling harsh climates, embracing local cultures, and forging unforgettable bonds. The event includes some unseen footage and personal anecdotes that highlight the duo's friendship and resilience. 'Long Way Chat captures the spirit of adventure and the emotional depth of their journeys. Audience members will also have the opportunity to engage with the stars of the series. Audience members will be asked to send in questions before the event and, if chosen, will get a chance to participate in a Q&A, making it a chance to connect with two of the most iconic travel companions in modern documentary history. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Long Way Chat is more than a show—it's a celebration of discovery, endurance, and the open road.'
Car and Driver
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman Hit the Road on Vintage Motorcycles in 'Long Way Home'
Good buddies going on a road-trip adventure is such a regular television offering that it can be hard to remember that there was a time when a reality-TV travel show was rare new ground. Sure, there was On the Road with Charles Kuralt, and Huell Howser's California's Gold, but for the most part, the actual journey in those shows was edited out. It was the destination that got the air time. Then, in 2004, actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman showed viewers that the way one traveled could be as entertaining as where one ended up. In Long Way Round, McGregor and Boorman rode BMW motorcycles across 12 countries, from England through Asia to end in America. The footage seems quaint now, some of it fuzzy and low-res by today's standards, but it brought the idea of dual sport and adventure bikes to a more mainstream audience. It feels sort of silly to say LWR popularized road trips, when stories of on-the-road adventures go back to Homer's Odyssey, but McGregor and Boorman's obvious enjoyment of their time on the road inspired viewers to take their own trips—and certainly led to many more reality travel shows. AppleTv+ AppleTv+ 1974 Moto Guzzi El Dorado. AppleTv+ 1973 BMW R75/5. AppleTv+ AppleTv+ AppleTv+ AppleTv+ Elana Scherr Senior Editor, Features Like a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn't know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver's license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews. In 2020, she received a Best Feature award from the Motor Press Guild for the C/D story "A Drive through Classic Americana in a Polestar 2." In 2023, her Car and Driver feature story "In Washington, D.C.'s Secret Carpool Cabal, It's a Daily Slug Fest" was awarded 1st place in the 16th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards by the Los Angeles Press Club. Read full bio
The Courier
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Ewan McGregor reunites with Crieff pipe band at £2m Glencarse home in Apple TV series
Ewan McGregor can be seen playing a tune with his former pipe band in his new Apple TV series. McGregor is joined by the Morrison's Academy Pipe Band at his £2 million Glencarse mansion in Long Way Home. The show sees the actor join Charley Boorman as they embark on a motorcycle journey to England, via Scandinavia. The duo have reunited to celebrate 20 years of the first series, Long Way Round. Before they leave his Glencarse home for Newcastle, Ewan informs the crew that the pipe band will perform for them. He said: 'I used to be a side drummer in this band. 'My dad, before me, and my uncle. I come from a long line of drummers.' Joined by his dad James as the band arrive, Ewan is taking aback by how many pupils appeared at his house. He said: 'Massive band, isn't it? It was, like, nine of us in the band I was in. 'Wait until they crack off, it gets the hairs on the back of your neck.' The band then play a rendition of The Green Hills of Tyrol, with McGregor joining them on the drums. Ewan's mum, Carol, calls the performance 'far too emotional'. After an emotional goodbye with his wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and son Laurie, Ewan and Charley begin their journey. They were led by the private school's band. In December, the 54-year-old's application to refurbish the windows of the B-listed gate lodge and install new double-glazing units was approved by the council. The show is available to watch on Apple TV+.
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Scots Hollywood star rejoins old school band to perform outside his £2m mansion
One person very close to the star was in tears over the performance TOP OF THE CLASS Scots Hollywood star rejoins old school band to perform outside his £2m mansion Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EWAN McGregor rejoined his former school's pipe band for a performance at his Scottish mansion. The Hollywood star played side drum while a pupil at Morrison's Academy in his hometown of Crieff, Perthshire. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Ewan McGregor performed with his former pipe band 4 The Hollywood star was all smiles outside the £2million mansion 4 The Scots actor features in an exciting new Apple TV show Credit: Getty The school's pipe band were asked to come along to the £2 million home in Carse of Gowrie to serenade McGregor and friend Charley Boorman as they set off on their latest motorcycle adventure. The performance is featured in the opening episode of the Apple TV series Long Way Home which sees the pair travel from McGregor's home in Scotland to Boorman's in the south of England - via Scandinavia. McGregor's mum Carol shed tears as she watched her son join in with the band by playing the drum at the 18th century country retreat in Perthshire. Speaking in the series premiere, the 54-year-old Trainspotting actor said: "I used to be a side drummer in this pipe band and my dad before me and my uncle. I come from a long line of drummers. "It's a massive band now. There was only like nine of us in the band I was in. "When they crack off it gets the hairs on the back of your neck standing up." In a statement posted on social media, Morrison's Academy said: "Former pupil Ewan McGregor auditions for Morrison's Academy Pipe deftly demonstrates that he's not lost his rhythm! "We can let the cat out of the bag. "Morrison's Academy pipe band were delighted to set former pupil Ewan McGregor and motorcycling buddy Charley Boorman off on their travels again across Europe." McGregor's father Jim was a physical education teacher at the fee-paying school and helped arrange the performance. Ewan McGregor emotional as he's awarded star on Hollywood Walk of Fame Long Way Home marks 20 years since McGregor and Boorman's first filmed adventure, called Long Way Round, which saw them travel from London to New York, via Europe, Asia and Alaska. McGregor, who also has a home in Los Angeles, is now spending extended periods at his Scottish property which is set in more than 18 acres of land and gardens. Property records show he bought the Category C-listed 10 bedroom property in 2023 for £2.35 million. It had been on the market for offers over £2.15 million. The property comes with a gate lodge and a courtyard of outbuildings and has more than 15,000sq ft of living space on three floors, with a two-bedroom flat, stores and a wine cellar. 4 A Hollywood star rejoined his school band to perform outside his £2m mansion Credit: Getty Since buying the home, McGregor has been given permission to erect a replacement garage and to create a new master bedroom and bathroom suite. In an interview last year, he said: "I definitely started to feel this pull home. I never saw it coming, it's weird. "I think whoever made the world started with Scotland and got it right. "I don't think you appreciate it when you're young as much as you do when you're older."
