Michael Palin to Present Preview, Q&A in Edinburgh

At the Edinburgh TV Festival, actor, writer and presenter Michael Palin is set to host an exclusive preview of Channel 5’s upcoming and tentatively titled docuseries Michael Palin in North Korea, followed by an interview with TV/radio/podcast personality Edith Bowman.

Palin will discuss his 1,300-mile journey across the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), where he was the first Western broadcaster to visit a number of remote locations in the secretive country. The documentary series is made by ITN Productions. It will premiere on Channel 5 later this year.

Palin stated: “My journey through North Korea was one of the most fascinating and revealing of all my travels. Many people have a view on North Korea, but very few get the chance to see what this secretive country actually looks and feels like. This was a voyage of discovery, in the best sense of the word, and I look forward to sharing my unique experiences with the audience in Edinburgh.”

Bowman noted: “I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with Michael over the years; he’s such a joy to spend time with. I think he’s one of the world’s most compelling storytellers, be it in comedy, acting or traveling to the far corners of the globe. He also used to be my neighbor!”

Phil Edgar-Jones, advisory chair, added: “Having Michael Palin at the TV Festival is the icing on top of the icing on the cake. He could talk about dust and it would still make a fascinating hour, so I am baggsying a front-row seat as he takes us through his North Korean adventure. I cannot wait…”