ITV has officially commissioned a new travel series featuring comedian Jason Manford and singer Gary Barlow, titled ‘Gary Barlow’s Food & Wine Tour: New Zealand’. The series will consist of six episodes, each lasting 30 minutes, showcasing the stunning landscapes and culinary delights of New Zealand.
Produced by Rock Oyster Media in collaboration with Tourism New Zealand and Great Rail Journeys, this series promises to deliver a mix of adventure and humor. Activities planned for the show include tandem biking and rescuing penguins, which are sure to provide plenty of entertainment for viewers.
David Nottage, the executive producer of the series, expressed enthusiasm about the pairing of Barlow and Manford, stating, “Gary is a much-loved, charismatic and inquisitive traveller. Pair him with his mate Jason Manford and belly laughs and high adrenaline are guaranteed!”
This new venture follows Barlow’s previous travel series set in South Africa and Australia, which reached an impressive five million viewers. The success of these earlier shows sets a high bar for the upcoming New Zealand series.
Leanne Clarke, the Assistant Commissioner for Entertainment and Daytime at ITV, played a pivotal role in commissioning the series, highlighting ITV’s commitment to producing engaging and entertaining content.
Dave Riley from Great Rail Journeys added, “Great Rail Journeys has always believed that the most powerful travel stories come to life when you create genuine moments of connection – between people, cultures and landscapes.” This ethos will likely be a central theme throughout the episodes.
As the series gears up for production, fans of both Barlow and Manford are eagerly anticipating the unique blend of humor and exploration that the duo is known for. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact premiere date, but the excitement surrounding the project continues to build.