BBC Two & Naked West Announce Four New Great Railway Journeys

Michael Portillo returns to BBC Two and BBC iPlayer with four new Great Railway Journeys to air this spring.

“I am delighted that these new journeys are about to reach the screen,” said Portillo. “From the exemplary rail network of Japan to the glorious architecture of Central Asia and the rich histories of Europe, each trip brought genuine surprises. There is always something new to learn and experience by train. All aboard!”

Great Japanese Railway Journeys airs April 13, Great Korean Railway Journeys airs May 4, Great Central Asian Railways airs May 11 and Great Continental Railway Journeys airs May 18. Alison Kreps and John Comerford are executive producers for Naked West.

“I feel like the luckiest first viewer in the world when I watch these journeys,” said Alex McLeod, commissioning editor for BBC Daytime. “I always learn a lot about the world we live in and am left with an overwhelming urge to travel and experience the same joy and wonder that Michael does. I hope that our viewers will feel the same way.”

“We are thrilled to be bringing four new railway series to BBC Two,” said Alison Kreps, co-executive producer for Naked West. “Both series build on the strength of the Railways brand while continuing to find fresh stories, perspectives and places to explore”.

“It is a real pleasure to continue building on the success of the Railways brand with these four series,” said John Comerford, head of Naked West and co-executive producer. “Together they take us from Japan and South Korea to Central Asia and across Europe, reflecting the remarkable breadth of the railway story. Each journey allows us to explore new places while delivering the kind of programmes audiences love.”