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Celebrity Around The World In 80 Days
The BBC today announced a new series in which six pairs of celebrities are set to race against the clock in Around The World In 80 Days.
The 6 x 60-minute series will see the celebrities take part in the 80-day voyage to raise money for this year's BBC Children in Need.
Starting the series is comic Frank Skinner, who is taking on the first leg of the journey alongside comedian Lee Mack.
The other celebrities taking part in the challenge are The Apprentice stars Nick Hewer and Saira Khan; Countryfile presenters Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker; BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull and BBC News presenter Louise Minchin; Torchwood and West End star John Barrowman and TV and radio presenter Myleene Klass; and actor Shane Richie together with actress and comedienne Josie Lawrence.
With one pair of celebrities per leg, they must pass on the baton in the form of a carpet bag containing the 21st-century requirements for this challenging journey, including a GPS phone and satellite tracker.
Respecting the heritage of Fogg and Palin, the Around The World In 80 Days travellers must not use aeroplanes, although any other means of transport, from camels to Bullet trains.
Each celebrity will be raising money for BBC Children in Need as part of the challenge, including bringing home curiosities picked up along the way, which will be auctioned off in aid of the charity online.
The celebrities will head for the BBC studios to find out just how much they have raised for the cause during this fast, frantic and often frustrating global race against the clock.
Having returned from the first leg of the trip, Frank Skinner said: "It nearly killed me. And our leg was supposed to be the easiest. I'll always treasure my four minutes in Slovakia."
His travel partner Lee Mack added: "Going across Europe overland was a great way to help Children In Need, and by going with Frank Skinner I also felt I was contributing to help the aged."
Jo Ball, BBC Commissioning Editor for Features, BBC One and BBC Two, said: "Around The World In 80 Days is an exciting part of our autumn schedule and we are looking forward to seeing some of TV's best-loved famous faces take part in this 21st-century twist on Fogg and Palin's epic voyage."
waveguide.co.uk
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