Hugh Bonneville to front new railway documentary for Channel 4
Hugh Bonneville is to narrate a new documentary titled Great British Train Journeys From Above for Channel 4.
Hugh Bonneville is to front a new railway documentary for Channel 4.
Titled Great British Train Journeys From Above, the upcoming programme will see the Downton Abbey actor, 61, narrate the history of Britain’s iconic steam train journeys to celebrate this year’s Rail 200 anniversary.
In a statement, Hugh said: “Narrating Great British Train Journeys From Above has been a great joy, being able to offer a fresh perspective on the remarkable history that shaped this nation, and to enjoy our country's glorious landscapes.
“This series is a front-row seat to the magic of steam travel, from a few hundred feet in the air.”
The four-episode documentary will take viewers across the country using drones to showcase Britain's different railways, including The Jacobite Railway in Scotland - better known as the real Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter franchise - and The Ffestiniog Railway in Snowdonia.
Series Producer and Director Matt Cottingham said: “The thrill of this project was directing in real time, tackling short and unpredictable filming windows to capture the steam locomotives thundering through these landscapes.
“Working with some of the best drone pilots in the industry, and pushing the boundaries of aerial technology, we set out to choreograph a fresh visual approach to telling historical narratives and immersing the audience in the romance of a steam train journey.”
Meanwhile, Hugh has also recently been cast in the second series of The Gentlemen.
The Paddington star is reportedly set to feature in the follow-on season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix drama as a crooked character, and has been spotted filming for the programme.
An insider told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: “It was pretty obvious that Hugh's new character plays a pivotal role in the story that runs through the drama's second outing.
“Though it's a bit of a surprise to see someone in a gangster thriller who's used to playing wholesome figures in shows like Downton Abbey and the Paddington movies.
“But it's fair to say with his giant head of grey hair and thick black glasses they've given him a very distinctive new look.”
Theo James, Ray Winstone and Kaya Scodelario are all returning for the new series and a number of new cast additions are expected.
