The Isle of Wight is set to be showcased to a national audience this week as comedian and presenter Paul Merton visits the Island in a brand new Channel 4 series focused on Britain’s railways.
The episode of Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains will see the popular TV personality arrive on the Isle of Wight via Wightlink’s FastCat service into Ryde, highlighting one of the UK’s most unusual travel experiences where rail and ferry seamlessly connect.
During his visit, Paul explores the Isle of Wight’s rich railway heritage, following in the footsteps of his father, who worked as a London Underground driver. Viewers will see him ride in the cab of former Northern line trains, now operating on the Island’s railway network.
The programme also captures Paul taking control of a heritage steam train, alongside experiencing rural Island life on a working farm. The episode further delves into the Isle of Wight’s lesser-known historical significance, including its role in preparations for D-Day.
Wightlink played a key part in the filming, with passengers on board the FastCat treated to a surprise as Paul delivered a live welcome announcement from the bridge alongside Captain Parahovniks during the crossing.
The episode is due to air on Channel 4 on Thursday (9th April) between 20:00 and 21:00.
Cant even get the Line right. The Northern Line is a tube line .The 78 stock were surface stock and operated on the District Line . .
I loved the old boneshakers class 483s
correct The Northern Line stock finished service in January 2021.
“via Wightlink’s FastCat service into Ryde, highlighting one of the UK’s most unusual travel experiences where rail and ferry seamlessly connect”
Seamlessly connect? When did that last happen? The amount of times people miss the train on the pier because the SlowCat is 30 seconds late is ridiculous!
It worked a treat when British Rail was running the show.
If Statler is over here, can Waldorf be far behind?
Fastcat, don’t make me laugh, tug boat Willie was faster and that was a cartoon boat. They need to rename it the snailcat and as for connecting to the islandline train you are having a laugh.
Is that the sound of barrels being scraped?
It’s the way we’ve travelled to the island over the last 18 years, we don’t drive and can get straight to Sandown quite easily from Wimbledon.