Comedian Diane Morgan is putting everything from garlic ice cream and blue wine to dinosaurs and red squirrels in the spotlight as the star of a bold new Red Funnel advertising campaign promoting the Isle of Wight.
The BAFTA and Emmy-nominated actor and writer, known for Cunk on Earth and Mandy, travelled across the Island for the campaign, which launches this month.
After arriving aboard a Red Funnel ferry, Diane delivers her trademark deadpan responses to some of the Isle of Wight’s distinctive attractions and specialities. Locations were scouted with thanks to the efforts of Film Wight.
Dinosaur fossils, red squirrels, blue wine, garlic ice cream and miles of unspoilt coastline all feature as Red Funnel attempts to showcase what makes the Island “Wonderfully Different”.
The campaign aims to turn traditional tourism advertising on its head, moving away from soothing soundtracks, slow-motion shots and generic characters in favour of Diane’s understated humour.
It comes after research found that the Isle of Wight has some catching up to do when it comes to recognition as a UK holiday destination.
When people were asked which destinations came to mind for a UK break, 32% mentioned Cornwall and 17% named Devon. By comparison, just 3% recalled the Isle of Wight.
Red Funnel says it hopes the campaign can help elevate the Island from a “hidden gem” to a household name.
Oli Whitehurst, Head of Marketing at Red Funnel, has said:
“The Isle of Wight is an amazing place, with a wealth of stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, and exciting attractions, all within an hour’s drive of each other.
“But in a crowded marketplace, with so many beautiful UK destinations all competing for the attention of potential visitors, it can be hard to stand out. To do that, we knew we needed to break the mould and create something brave, playful and genuinely memorable.
“Diane’s brilliantly understated humour gave us a fresh way to honour everything that makes the Island different while creating something distinctive enough to shine through on screen.”
Fran Collins, Chief Executive Officer at Red Funnel, has said:
“The Isle of Wight has always been proud to break the mould, which is just one of the many reasons people love to visit.
“We were delighted to welcome Diane to the Island. It’s as unique as she is, and it was great to celebrate all its eccentricities with her alternative take!
“The Island is bold, brave and beautiful, and Diane perfectly captures what makes it so ‘wonderfully different’.”
