Joe Marler and Joe Wilkinson bring Celebrity Traitors bromance to new BBC show
The Celebrity Traitors stars Joe Marler and Joe Wilkinson are reuniting on The Friend Ship, a new series for the BBC.
Joe Marler and Joe Wilkinson are reuniting for a new boat trip series exploring Britain's waterways.
The 36-year-old rugby star and 51-year-old comedian struck up a real bromance in The Celebrity Traitors castle last year, and now they will bring their odd couple friendship to a whole new show.
As announced by BBC, The Friend Ship - which is a working title - will combine Wilkinson's "passion for canals", Marler's "passion for fun" and their shared "utter childlike silliness".
They added: "The result? An unconventional and revealing boat trip along Britain’s waterways that celebrates the joy of connection, community and spending quality time with your mates.
"After becoming firm friends on Celebrity Traitors, the Joes will be getting to know one another and properly put their friendship to the test in a (very) confined space.
"Joe Wilkinson is whisking his brand-new buddy Joe Marler off on a break that will fulfil a lifelong dream: a barging adventure across the UK that finishes at the Falkirk Wheel - a masterpiece of engineering that connects two separate stretches of canal."
Along the six 30 minute episodes, the duo will stop off in North Wales, the West Country, Birmingham, the Pennines, London and Edinburgh as they meet people "from all walks of life and settling into the pace of canal life".
The series has been described as "a journey of discovery in more ways than one".
Wilkinson said: “I love canals, I love Joe Marler, I love drizzle. Making this show is absolute heaven for me.”
Marler added: “I’m really excited to be spending an intense amount of time with my favourite hundy, Joe.
"Less looking forward to the claustrophobic canal boat he’s asked me to spend it on. But if we can get through that, I’m sure our bond will be stronger than ever.
"And if not, well, at least you know who your friends are.”
And Patrick McMahon, Commissioning Editor, Factual at the BBC, commented: “The nation took Joe and Joe to their hearts as their friendship blossomed on Celebrity Traitors, so we’re delighted to offer BBC viewers the chance to see them take their relationship to the next level as they set off in search of fun, adventure and the Falkirk Wheel.”
Filming is underway, and transmission details will follow "in due course".
