🔗 Share this article

While the Euro-hopping reality competition the travel contest might not have been the summer smash the BBC were hoping for, it did give host Rob Brydon a lovely glow-up. The convoluted coach trip clearly wanted to give off a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies was outfitted with premium suits: vibrant matching ensembles, smooth neckwear and yacht-ready blazers. Unexpectedly, Brydon had the sophisticated appearance complementing his classic 007 impersonation.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

The newest trilogy of episodes, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, also features some Mr Benn-style costume changes. The genial Welshman transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and the occasional Stetson hat. It's all part of a premise that sees him piloting an imposing American truck across thousands of miles of the southern US to learn quickly about the musical genre.

Brydon has been tasked celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the genre – specifically the 100th anniversary of the legendary broadcast that evolved into the iconic venue, cornerstone and kingmaker in the industry over decades – via the time-honoured celebrity travelogue tradition of driving around, chatting with residents and immersing himself in the culture. That the centenary aligns with country becoming, according to him, “the fastest-growing music style in Britain” – due to Taylor Swift and recent countrified albums from Beyoncé, famous singers and various performers – offers another angle to explore.

Travel History and Personal Doubts

We know Brydon is up for a road trip and a chinwag because of the various incarnations of The Trip with Steve Coogan. Initially he seems unsure about his credentials as a presenter. Observing him speak with a dashboard-mounted camera evokes recollections of a character, the sad-sack cabby from Brydon's TV breakthrough, a beloved series. Traveling toward Music City, he calls his sitcom collaborator Jones to boost his confidence. She recalls his some genuine country bona fides: a past Comic Relief cover of Islands in the Stream topped the charts. (“Dolly and Kenny only made it to No 7!” she points out.)

Interview Skills and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in the city is a little too much for Brydon – trying to dance with the UK actor turned country singer Twinnie sees him tap out during the opening a popular tune – the veteran comedian is much more wobbly legged in the interview segments. His respectful interview style seem to gel local etiquette, gathering anecdotes about legends and reflections on the spirit of country music from silvery-haired veterans like the Grand Ole Opry fixture Bill Anderson and 92-year-old celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His calm approach also works with newer artists, like the scraggly-bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the bluegrass banjo maestro a talented musician.

Although several the stories seem familiar, the opening episode includes a single genuine curveball. What on earth is Gary Barlow doing hanging out in a homely east Nashville studio? Reportedly, he's visited to Tennessee to refine his compositions for decades, and points to a country icon as an influence on Take That's bulletproof ballad a classic song. Finally, we meet a guest Brydon can needle, joke with and playfully provoke without worrying about creating any offense. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Broader Implications With Spontaneous Interactions

With an entire century of the genre to explain and celebrate, it is understandable that this southern-fried tour through Tennessee and Kentucky (with pit stops in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) wants to focus on music and without needing to address contemporary issues. But it cannot help includes some elements. During an appearance on the polished program of the Nashville radio station the established creator of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations are still friends, disrupting his slick hosts off their stride. The audience doesn't see to see presumably icy aftermath.

A Natural Fit for the Format

But for all his visible insecurity, he is obviously a good fit for this type of lighthearted series: friendly, engaged, modest and prepared to dress the part, even if he struggles to find an elaborate western top that comes in a medium. Might his partner worry that the co-star can do solo hosting alone? Definitely.