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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rob Brydon reveals behind-the-scenes blunder nearly ruined new BBC show
The Gavin & Stacey actor is presenting a new reality competition, Destination X. Rob Brydon has disclosed the moment his mistake nearly wrecked filming for a fresh BBC competition. The Gavin & Stacey actor, 60, is hosting a brand new reality show, Destination X. It features 13 strangers embarking on a secretive road trip across Europe, combining elements of The Traitors and Race Across The World. The participants are journeying on a coach with sensory deprivation, unable to see their location or track their distance travelled. Daily, they're challenged with working out their possible whereabouts after receiving a selection of peculiar clues for assistance. Only the cleverest will manage to distinguish the false leads from the genuine hints, with players gradually eliminated until one winner emerges (claiming a £100,000 prize) as they guess locations, whilst the participant furthest from their actual position gets knocked out. "It's the adventure of a lifetime, with one simple question at its heart: where in the world am I? Rob Brydon masterminds the high-stakes competition where nothing is as it seems...," the synopsis reveals, reports Wales Online. The intense series naturally only functions if contestants can genuinely participate without receiving any hints about the external world during their journey. Despite numerous production safeguards being implemented to guarantee this, Rob almost sabotaged everything. Discussing the show before its debut, the presenter confessed that although he was "very careful", he encountered one mishap. He said: "I won't say where we were, but we we're on a hillside, that's all I'll say, and we were about to visit a lovely location, and I was looking forward to where we were going next. "I was chatting to some of the crew and I said out loud, 'I can't wait to get to [the place]' and then I realised that just over there was one of the players and I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. "Luckily they didn't hear, and I can be sure of that because of what happened next which told me that they'd not heard. That was the only one but it was a constant fear." Rob deliberately avoided revealing any specifics since, in an unusual twist, audiences can participate alongside the contestants, with their whereabouts remaining secret until each episode concludes. Executive producer Dan Adamson then revealed additional hazards the production team encountered and outside elements that nearly exposed the secret. He said: "We crossed a lot of borders and there was always a chance that we were going to have officials trying to board the bus, and so we had to have plan Bs, which we had fake uniforms that we would then do a second boarding of the bus to try and pretend it was just part of the room." Destination X was filmed across 32 days, demanding 190 crew members who required 7,000 hotel rooms spanning 30 hotels, whilst they journeyed 11,000 km throughout Europe. The coach itself contained 7km of wiring, featuring 46 cameras and over 40 support vehicles. Speaking about the grandeur of the show, Dan elaborated: "We had the chance to turn Europe into a board game, so we immediately thought that the way we bring scale to the challenges is we just get incredible locations and we take over whole castles, we run a train on a public network, we take over cable car systems, the scale just goes up and up and it's like, actually, what fun can we have with those toys? And how do we then lay clues through that? And obviously that was partly about the adventure and partly it's about thinking, how will then that drive the story? "It's rare you get a chance to turn the whole of Europe into a boardgame," he added. "We love the wanderlust of it, and we loved the play-along, the audience will genuinely play this game." Destination X premieres on BBC One and iPlayer on Wednesday, July 30.
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Rob Brydon's huge new Traitors-style travel reality show as Gavin and Stacey star reveals major struggle
WHEN Rob Brydon reached his 60th birthday with two of TV's biggest hits under his belt, he could have easily put his feet up. Instead, the star of Would I Lie To You? and Gavin & Stacey hit the road and is taking a risk by fronting the Advertisement 7 Rob Brydon is set to present the BBC's new travel challenge show, Destination X Credit: BBC 7 Brydon says he is excited about the challenge and enjoys how varied his career has become Credit: PA And he relishes the challenge — as it might give him the chance to show he's not just Some people know me for Would I Lie To You? But I've never done anything like this. 'Having something new and exciting and different is just a delight. I'm taking a chance on something I haven't done before.' Advertisement READ MORE ON ROB BRYDON After 18 years as Uncle Bryn and 16 years hosting the BBC quiz show, it's no surprise Rob was keen to get his teeth into something new. His latest project Destination X is a promising cross between The Traitors and Race Across The World, which each command six million viewers. But there was one hitch. Rob is so used to being seated on his quiz show and playing a character on Gavin & Stacey that he had forgotten how he walks as himself. Recalling walking on to the set of Advertisement Most read in News TV 'Because I've got a horrible walk. I walk like an ape. I walk side to side. So I'm thinking, 'Try not to walk like an idiot'. 'It even occurred to me that I won't be sat behind a desk. I had to think, 'How am I going to hold myself?'' Gavin and Stacey's Rob Brydon admits he was 'moved to tears' after getting first glimpse at script for final ever episode But Rob swiftly found his feet on the thrilling new show, which travels the length and breadth of Europe. Destination X introduces a group of travellers to each other at an airport before they are blindfolded and taken on a disorientating helicopter ride. Advertisement They then board a blacked-out bus that travels to a few hotspots where the travellers take on challenges to try to win clues. 7 Brydon says he had to try and figure out his presenting identity in order to lead the new show Credit: At the end of each episode they are asked one simple question: Where in the world are we? The straightforward premise has helped the show become a huge hit in the US and Belgium. Advertisement Rob is in charge of the jaunt and has revelled in the role. He said: 'I genuinely love the variety of my career. I like it all. "It's possible some people who act wouldn't be comfortable presenting. 'You would be surprised how many actors wouldn't like it if you told them that they were go- ing to do something with no script. Advertisement 'But I love all those things. 'Ultimately, having a live audience is my favourite. 'Sometimes with Destination X I would say a funny line and they would laugh and that's an audience. 'I wanted to have the interaction with the players. Advertisement 'That's something I looked forward to.' Claudia has a lightness of touch. I think she judges it just right. You feel like you're with a really good friend who is allowing you into this world It is perhaps unsurprising that given the similarities of the show to She has made a huge success of the murder mystery game — and Destination X contains the same elements of strategy and manipulation. Rob said: 'I watched the Belgian version and I thought, with some tweaks, I could see myself in that role. I was intrigued. Advertisement 'Claudia has a lightness of touch. I think she judges it just right. She doesn't force herself to the front. "She is there as a conduit, as a bridge with the viewer and you feel like you're with a really good friend who is allowing you into this world. "I wanted to be a pleasant way to bring people into the show with a nice comment here and there. 'The Traitors was one of the big reasons I wanted to do Destination X. I could see similarities.' Advertisement Just like the cast at the heart of The Traitors and Race Across The World, normal folk are the stars. 7 Brydon says he took inspiration from Claudia Winkleman presenting The Traitors Credit: BBC 7 Comic Brydon says he hopes the new show will be a big hit with family viewers Credit: BBC 'Strong characters' Guessing along with the contestants as they gather clues — and red herrings — is irresistible. Advertisement Rob, who begins the show in a suave pilot's uniform, clearly took to one of the contestants, wisecracking London cabbie Darren. He said: 'Darren mentions his wife — you hear quite a bit about her. "Bless him, he gets quite choked up when he talks about her. He was really missing her. It was genuine. It wasn't forced. Rob added: 'They are all very strong characters. They developed as they went along, the relationships. Advertisement 'You enjoy seeing people come out of their shell and then the distrust starts. They start saying, 'We're a team'. But that can't last.' At the end of each episode, the players lock themselves in the bus's map room where they have to plant an X on a map to log their guess. In the first episode alone, the hunches vary wildly despite them all being fed the same information. The person whose guess is furthest from the true destination is booted off the bus and sent home. Rob said: 'Throughout the series they'll think they're somewhere and then they'll talk themselves out of it. Advertisement 'The map room bits were so enjoyable. 'We were round the monitors watching them make the decisions. Certain shows have become valuable to people of a certain age who want their family together. That's what was special about the Gavin & Stacey Xmas special "Doubt would enter their mind. Sometimes it was a tiny amount. 'Someone will have gone out because they were 3km out!' Advertisement Rob is aware he is stepping out of his comfort zone and might end up with his first flop. But he's hopeful the pure heart of the show will win through and land fans among families. He said: 'You never know with any TV show, with any theatre show, film, how it's going to do. 'You'd have to be detached from reality to now have your fingers crossed and hope that people respond to it. Advertisement 7 Brydon says he had to learn how to be himself after playing a character on Gavin and Stacey Credit: PA 'For the family' 'You have to have word of mouth. If you hear enough, you might go, 'I'll give it a try'. 'What I love about this show is that it's for the family. I love shows that you can sit and watch, like we watch The Traitors as a family. 'It's the same with Race Across The World. We think, 'Yeah, let's all watch it together'. That's why I'm proud of Would I Lie To You? Advertisement 'The humour is sharp and clever but you can watch it with your family. 'I hope Destination X becomes appointment viewing for a family and everyone will be chipping in and arguing about it.' Rob, who is a dad of five, added: 'If you're anything like me as a parent, you're desperate for the stuff that can get the kids to watch something with you. 'Those shows have become very valuable to people of a certain age who want their family together. Advertisement 'The kids get older and everybody is told, 'Oh, they're not going to want to be with you'. 'You think, 'We'll be different'. But sure enough, that happens. 'That's what was special about the "Getting people to all sit down and watch the same show is so hard to do.' Advertisement It is clear the programme has all the ingredients to become Rob's third hit — and he is already hopeful of a second series or perhaps a celebrity spin-off. But he has one condition for BBC bosses. Rob added with a laugh: 'I've said I'll only do it if we go to Wales.' Barry Island, presumably? 7 Brydon says he wants Destination X to become appointment viewing for families Credit: BBC Advertisement
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Rob Brydon's huge new Traitors-style travel reality show as Gavin and Stacey star reveals major struggle
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN Rob Brydon reached his 60th birthday with two of TV's biggest hits under his belt, he could have easily put his feet up. Instead, the star of Would I Lie To You? and Gavin & Stacey hit the road and is taking a risk by fronting the BBC's new challenge show, Destination X. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Rob Brydon is set to present the BBC's new travel challenge show, Destination X Credit: BBC 7 Brydon says he is excited about the challenge and enjoys how varied his career has become Credit: PA And he relishes the challenge — as it might give him the chance to show he's not just Stacey's Uncle Bryn. Rob, who turned 60 in May, said: 'People always ask me about Gavin & Stacey. Some people know me for Would I Lie To You? But I've never done anything like this. 'Having something new and exciting and different is just a delight. I'm taking a chance on something I haven't done before.' After 18 years as Uncle Bryn and 16 years hosting the BBC quiz show, it's no surprise Rob was keen to get his teeth into something new. His latest project Destination X is a promising cross between The Traitors and Race Across The World, which each command six million viewers. But there was one hitch. Rob is so used to being seated on his quiz show and playing a character on Gavin & Stacey that he had forgotten how he walks as himself. Recalling walking on to the set of Destination X, he said: 'My first scene, I am walking into an airport, and I'm thinking, 'Right, OK, how am I going to be?' 'Because I've got a horrible walk. I walk like an ape. I walk side to side. So I'm thinking, 'Try not to walk like an idiot'. 'It even occurred to me that I won't be sat behind a desk. I had to think, 'How am I going to hold myself?'' Gavin and Stacey's Rob Brydon admits he was 'moved to tears' after getting first glimpse at script for final ever episode But Rob swiftly found his feet on the thrilling new show, which travels the length and breadth of Europe. Destination X introduces a group of travellers to each other at an airport before they are blindfolded and taken on a disorientating helicopter ride. They then board a blacked-out bus that travels to a few hotspots where the travellers take on challenges to try to win clues. 7 Brydon says he had to try and figure out his presenting identity in order to lead the new show Credit: At the end of each episode they are asked one simple question: Where in the world are we? The straightforward premise has helped the show become a huge hit in the US and Belgium. Rob is in charge of the jaunt and has revelled in the role. He said: 'I genuinely love the variety of my career. I like it all. "It's possible some people who act wouldn't be comfortable presenting. 'You would be surprised how many actors wouldn't like it if you told them that they were go- ing to do something with no script. 'But I love all those things. 'Ultimately, having a live audience is my favourite. 'Sometimes with Destination X I would say a funny line and they would laugh and that's an audience. 'I wanted to have the interaction with the players. 'That's something I looked forward to.' Claudia has a lightness of touch. I think she judges it just right. You feel like you're with a really good friend who is allowing you into this world It is perhaps unsurprising that given the similarities of the show to BBC mega-hit Traitors, Rob looked to Claudia Winkleman when he was considering whether to take the job. She has made a huge success of the murder mystery game — and Destination X contains the same elements of strategy and manipulation. Rob said: 'I watched the Belgian version and I thought, with some tweaks, I could see myself in that role. I was intrigued. 'Claudia has a lightness of touch. I think she judges it just right. She doesn't force herself to the front. "She is there as a conduit, as a bridge with the viewer and you feel like you're with a really good friend who is allowing you into this world. "I wanted to be a pleasant way to bring people into the show with a nice comment here and there. 'The Traitors was one of the big reasons I wanted to do Destination X. I could see similarities.' Just like the cast at the heart of The Traitors and Race Across The World, normal folk are the stars. 7 Brydon says he took inspiration from Claudia Winkleman presenting The Traitors Credit: BBC 7 Comic Brydon says he hopes the new show will be a big hit with family viewers Credit: BBC 'Strong characters' Guessing along with the contestants as they gather clues — and red herrings — is irresistible. Rob, who begins the show in a suave pilot's uniform, clearly took to one of the contestants, wisecracking London cabbie Darren. He said: 'Darren mentions his wife — you hear quite a bit about her. "Bless him, he gets quite choked up when he talks about her. He was really missing her. It was genuine. It wasn't forced. Rob added: 'They are all very strong characters. They developed as they went along, the relationships. 'You enjoy seeing people come out of their shell and then the distrust starts. They start saying, 'We're a team'. But that can't last.' At the end of each episode, the players lock themselves in the bus's map room where they have to plant an X on a map to log their guess. In the first episode alone, the hunches vary wildly despite them all being fed the same information. The person whose guess is furthest from the true destination is booted off the bus and sent home. Rob said: 'Throughout the series they'll think they're somewhere and then they'll talk themselves out of it. 'The map room bits were so enjoyable. 'We were round the monitors watching them make the decisions. Certain shows have become valuable to people of a certain age who want their family together. That's what was special about the Gavin & Stacey Xmas special "Doubt would enter their mind. Sometimes it was a tiny amount. 'Someone will have gone out because they were 3km out!' Rob is aware he is stepping out of his comfort zone and might end up with his first flop. But he's hopeful the pure heart of the show will win through and land fans among families. He said: 'You never know with any TV show, with any theatre show, film, how it's going to do. 'You'd have to be detached from reality to now have your fingers crossed and hope that people respond to it. 7 Brydon says he had to learn how to be himself after playing a character on Gavin and Stacey Credit: PA 'For the family' 'You have to have word of mouth. If you hear enough, you might go, 'I'll give it a try'. 'What I love about this show is that it's for the family. I love shows that you can sit and watch, like we watch The Traitors as a family. 'It's the same with Race Across The World. We think, 'Yeah, let's all watch it together'. That's why I'm proud of Would I Lie To You? 'The humour is sharp and clever but you can watch it with your family. 'I hope Destination X becomes appointment viewing for a family and everyone will be chipping in and arguing about it.' Rob, who is a dad of five, added: 'If you're anything like me as a parent, you're desperate for the stuff that can get the kids to watch something with you. 'Those shows have become very valuable to people of a certain age who want their family together. 'The kids get older and everybody is told, 'Oh, they're not going to want to be with you'. 'You think, 'We'll be different'. But sure enough, that happens. 'That's what was special about the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special. "Getting people to all sit down and watch the same show is so hard to do.' It is clear the programme has all the ingredients to become Rob's third hit — and he is already hopeful of a second series or perhaps a celebrity spin-off. But he has one condition for BBC bosses. Rob added with a laugh: 'I've said I'll only do it if we go to Wales.' Barry Island, presumably?
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Freddy Brazier splits from new girlfriend after huge row rocks whirlwind romance
It comes amid family tensions caused by Freddy's relationship with grandmother Jackiey all over Freddy Brazier splits from new girlfriend after huge row rocks whirlwind romance Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FREDDY Brazier has split from his girlfriend Holly Swinburn after a whirlwind romance. The 20-year-old called it quits after a string of arguments - just weeks after getting a puppy together. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Sources close to Freddy have revealed his relationship is over 3 We're told he and Holly called it quits after a string of rows Credit: Instagram 3 Freddy has had a tense relationship with dad Jeff in recent months Credit: Instagram Friends close to Jade Goody's son Freddy have told The Sun that it's over between them after one particularly upsetting row. The Race Across The World star was living with Holly and had even gone on holiday with her during their short-lived relationship. They decided to get a dog - a bully called Pablo - and set up an Instagram account for him. Within days, Freddy candidly admitted he had upset Holly by staying out to the 'early hours with the boys', while she stayed at home with the dog. He is now thought to be living back with his nan Jackiey and is concentrating on his health and happiness after a very tricky few months. It comes just weeks after his TV presenter dad Jeff Brazier launched legal action to block Jackiey from seeing him. Freddy had been staying with her at her home in Bermondsey despite his dad's concerns for his welfare. A source close to the Brazier family previously told us: "This is something Jeff and anyone who cares about Freddy hopes will help keep Freddy safe from a relationship that has been incredibly detrimental to his well being for a long time now. "The fact that he is going down this route shows how concerned we all our and how our efforts to keep Fred safe are being grossly undermined by other people." Freddy was just four-years-old and his EastEnders actor brother Bobby, was five when their mother Jade Goody died from cervical cancer in 2009. My brother Freddy needs to grow up… there are things I don't like about him says Bobby Brazier as he discusses family feud The Big Brother legend passed away at the age of 27 after a seven month battle with cancer and he has since been raised by his dad.
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits are turning to clever travel hacks to maximise their holidays
A study of 2,000 adults found that on average they are utilising three hacks on a typical holiday - with two thirds getting tips from friends and family Nearly half of Brits fancy themselves as 'travel hackers', employing savvy strategies to get the most out of their holidays, according to a study commissioned by Virgin Red. The company joined forces with Race Across The World champion, Alfie Watts, to dish out some expert travel advice. The survey revealed that among the top tactics used by holidaymakers are booking flights on weekdays, bundling hotel and transport costs, and using loyalty points for upgrades. Other popular hacks include leveraging credit card loyalty programmes to accumulate points, timing purchases for optimal deals, and browsing for flights in incognito mode to keep prices low. Once the getaway is secured, travellers have more tricks up their sleeves, such as rolling clothes to maximise suitcase space, packing snacks to sidestep airport price hikes, and always having a portable charger at hand. Alfie Watts himself embarked on an epic journey across three continents in just 72 hours, all thanks to Virgin Red reward points. He said: "Travel doesn't have to break the bank, especially if you are using travel hacks and this trip proves it." Covering a staggering 9,000 miles, he secured accommodation using points that can be racked up through daily activities like shopping and commuting. These points can also be snagged when booking holidays, a trick nearly half of those surveyed regret not using on past trips. "It's not just about the flights – it's the little hacks that make a big difference," Alfie added. "I normally pack light to avoid pricey hold luggage fees and I also use an eSIM to stay connected without needing to switch out my physical SIM. "I learned from previous experience that sometimes a long-haul flight pays off when the cost of living at your destination is super low, which helps to balance out costs." He also mentioned that renting a car and seeking advice from locals provides him with the flexibility to venture beyond typical tourist hotspots. According to the study holidaymakers use an average of three money-saving tricks per trip, with two thirds receiving suggestions from relatives and mates. A quarter of those surveyed admitted that certain tricks had swayed their choice of destination. These included uncovering cheaper alternatives, spotting hidden gems and selecting places with simpler visa processes. Vicki Simpson from Virgin Red commented: "The research has shown that travellers are always keen to utilise hacks where possible. "Alfie's trip shows how far loyalty points can get you. Reward points give travellers the chance to fast track their travels while slowing their spending. "Whether it's a short weekend away or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, these smarter ways to travel can undoubtedly make a difference."
