BBC Two Sets Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour

The BBC has commissioned Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour (w.t.), starring TV personalities Rob Rinder (The Rob Rinder Verdict) and Rylan Clark (Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two), for BBC Two.

In the three-parter produced by Rex, part of Zinc Media Group, Rinder and Clark follow in the footsteps of 19th-century romantic poet Lord Byron and other English aristocrats who took a customary Grand Tour of Italy. They will draw from the poet’s extensive poems and letters to guide them, as well as the diaries of others who made the trip.

Rinder and Clark will begin their journey in Venice, where they will explore the city’s masterpieces from Tintoretto to Canaletto, as well as discover how gay men in the 18th century found freedom at the city’s famous Carnival. In Florence, they will take in the sight of the Renaissance from the heights of the Duomo to the beauty of Botticelli’s Venus. Their last stop will be in Rome, where they will explore classical ruins, recreate dramatic Baroque masterpieces and channel their operatic divas at a rooftop performance. At every stage, they will uncover the reality of what it meant to be a Grand Tourist, from trying on the flamboyant looks of the “macaronis” to fencing, dancing and romancing.

“Italy is so rich in art and culture, and I can’t wait to get stuck in, seeing some of the finest things the country has to offer,” Rinder said. “The Grand Tour is iconic, especially as we’ll be following in the footsteps of some of history’s biggest cultural contributors. While Rylan and I almost certainly have different intentions for our trip, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather do this journey with.”

“When I found out that Rob and I actually get to go travelling around Italy for the Grand Tour, I couldn’t have packed my suitcase quicker,” Clark said. “We’re not going to be your typical Brits abroad though, as we properly immerse ourselves in all of Italy’s cultural offerings. Rob will be teaching me all about Italian history and art as we follow in the footsteps of the cultural greats, while I show Rob how to dance on bars. This series is going to be eye-opening, interesting, and I bet we’ll have a laugh or two along the way.”

“I can’t think of two funnier, warmer, more entertaining travelling companions for a trip through the glories of the Grand Tour than Rob and Rylan,” commented Alistair Pegg, commissioning editor for arts at the BBC. “Viewers are going to get a totally new perspective on some of the wonders of Italian art and culture in their hands, and I’m looking forward to the journey with them.”

Lana Salah, creative director of Rex, added, “I am very excited to be delivering another show for the BBC. After a brilliant first year of operation with multiple commissions, including Get Your Eurovision On! with Natalie Cassidy and Scott Mills for the BBC. I’m delighted that Rex continues to attract high-profile talent such as Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark, with a growing roster of talent choosing to work with Rex, we want to continue to produce a high calibre of programs that talent want to be part of.”