New series on Channel 4 on stations

[norbitonflyer]

I happened to meet a film crew in the cafe at the summit of Snowdon recently, making a new TV series on unusual stations, apparently going out in November on Channel 4. (I would have thought that Tim Dunn had mined that seam quite throughly already, but still................)

It was only when various other people kept greeting the bearded gentlemen with a North Country accent with whom we were sharing a table and chatting that we realised he must be famous. Turns out he was Si King (the surviving "Hairy Biker").

 

[Ashley Hill]

Unless Si King has an interest in railways he will be just another bland presenter following a script. Think of that show with Peter Davidson, John Sergiant and Piglet from the NYMR. Clearly two were only there for the pay packet. At least Tim (and Piglet) understand railways which shows in their presentation.

 

[Howardh]

Will be interesting how they determine "unusual", some stand out such as Corrour, Ryde Pier Head, Dent, possibly Thurso, but if they are including narrow gauge and heritage railways the list could be endless!

Will Northern Ireland and the Isle Of Man count, as they could visit the top of Snaefell?

 

[Cletus]

Si King tracks the UK to unveil the best of rail stations for More4 | Channel 4

TV chef, presenter and avid train enthusiast, Si King, will traverse the vast UK railway network and its 2,600+ stations to discover the beauty of these varied travel hubs

www.channel4.com

TV chef, presenter and avid train enthusiast, Si King, will traverse the vast UK railway network and its 2,600+ stations to discover the beauty of these varied travel hubs for More4.

Top of the Stops (w/t), produced by Wales-based Yeti Television, will see Si explore stunning examples of the nation’s engineering and architecture as he disembarks at some of the country’s most eclectic train stations in this new four-part series.

Alongside two experts, transport historian Siddy Holloway and architect Damion Burrows, Si will learn why these utilitarian buildings are so special as each episode tells a story of British history, industry and community. The series will follow Si as he discovers the structural feats that everyday commuters might miss. From city to coast, where the waves crash just metres away, the TV star will find out surprising and revelatory facts as he calls into each station.

In his first series for Channel 4, Si will meet the people that keep these vital structures ticking and operating at their best. From the people who keep the trains and stations running to those who work to serve their passengers.

Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 said: “As the rail network turns 200 years old, this series will spotlight the best of our country’s engineering history in a different way. We’re honoured Si will be presenting his first series for More4, and Yeti will no doubt deliver a captivating series that viewers will love to escape into.”

Anna Davies, Executive Producer, Yeti Television added: “There’s something uniquely British about our love of railways – but usually it’s the trains, not the stations, that get the limelight. There are so many amazing stories to be uncovered in stations big and small, with unique characters who run them and incredible history, and Si is the perfect person to be taking us on that journey.”

Top of The Stops (w/t) was commissioned by Clemency Green, senior commissioning editor for Channel 4 lifestyle, with Director of Commissioning, Nations & Regions & Head of Lifestyle, Jo Street. Executive producer is Anna Davies, and series producer Francois Gandolfi. The series will be available to watch on More4, or stream on Channel 4 later this year.