Pilgrimage BBC show to feature North East landmarks

Durham Cathedral and Whitby’s clifftop abbey are just two locations which will be featured in the latest series of ‘Pilgrimage’ – this year named ‘The Road to Holy Island’.

Over three hour-long episodes, seven celebrities of different faiths and beliefs will set off on a spectacular trail across the region to explore the lives of early Celtic Christian saints.

The release date is yet to be confirmed.

In true Pilgrimage style, the pilgrims carry their own backpacks, and overnight in various locations, from small wooden pods to an off-grid hostel and a basic bunkroom.

Among those taking part this year are Thirsk-born TV personality Tasha Ghouri, best known for her appearances on Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing, and Northumberland-born TV presenter Jayne Middlemis.

Other participants include the leader of the dance troupe Diversity, Ashley Banjo, Spooks and Cold Feet actor Hermione Norris and observant Muslim, Hasan Al-Habib, a radio presenter.

Comedian Ashley Blaker and actor Patsy Kensit complete the line-up.

Beginning their journey on the coast just south of Whitby Abbey, the pilgrims travel along a curated network of trails celebrating three of England’s most revered 7th century Northern saints – Hild, Oswald and Cuthbert.

Travelling north on the way of St. Hild, the pilgrims take the stunning coastal path to the ammonite beaches of Runswick Bay, before heading inland towards Durham.

Here 224 steep and uneven steps, locally known as the ‘Steps of Doom’, lead them to spectacular views and their first glimpse of Durham Cathedral where they take part in the medieval pilgrim tradition of foot washing, before visiting the shrine of St Cuthbert.

Heading out of Durham towards Heavenfield, where St Oswald won the battle to claim the Kingdom of Northumbria in the 7th century, they face an amber weather warning as they discover Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.

Along the way, the pilgrims visit several places of interest including Newcastle’s Reform Synagogue. Founded in the early 1960s by the local community, including Jewish refugees who fled the Nazis during the holocaust.

Later, in the Scottish Borders, the pilgrims begin their last trail, St Cuthbert’s Way – which celebrates the Celtic Christian monk, bishop and hermit.

A challenging walk in the Cheviots on Wide-Open Hill takes the pilgrims to the highest point on the route with its extraordinary 360-degree views.

After 12 days, the group finally reach ‘Pilgrims’ Way’, where for more than a thousand years pilgrims have walked across the dramatic and dangerous tidal sands to reach Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island.

Daisy Scalchi, BBC’s Head of Religion and Ethics for television, said: “What better way to embrace different perspectives and outlooks than walking with people who can open our hearts and minds to new ways of seeing the world.

“Pilgrimage is like no other show on TV and I’m so excited to see a new group strap on their walking boots for what will be an inspiring journey through one of England’s most dramatic landscapes.”

Caroline Matthews, Executive Producer and CEO, CTVC added: “With a fantastic new cast, this series delivers a wonderful moment to explore life’s big questions, faith and culture whilst exploring the spectacular landscape of Britain’s North-East.

“As ever, stripped of their creature comforts, there is strong camaraderie, tears, joy and a fabulous amount of humour to get them through their epic journey!”