Seven celebrities visit some of the region's most iconic landmarks in epic journey of discovery
Seven well known celebrities have pulled on their walking boots and waterproofs to visit some of the region’s most historic and religious sites as part of a new BBC television series.
Pilgrimage will see Diversity’s Ashley Banjo, Spooks and Cold Feet actor Hermione Norris, TV personality Tasha Ghouri, comedians Hasan Al-Habib and Ashley Blaker, radio presenter Jayne Middlemiss, and actress and former model Patsy Kensit take on the ‘Road to Holy Island’ journey.
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Taking in the rugged landscapes of the North York Moors and Cheviot Hills the stars’ pilgrimage begins on the steps leading up to Whitby Abbey and ends crossing the causeway to Lindisfarne.
To be screened on BBC 2 the journey combines the three trails of Saints Hild, Oswald and Cuthbert with the stars visiting Durham Cathedral, Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle’s Reform Synagogue, and St Cuthbert’s Cave.
Three 60 minute episodes will follow the journey of the seven personalities who have a different mix of faiths and beliefs.
Diversity dancer Ashley Banjo, 37, said: “As a Christian I wanted to do this pilgrimage, to continue my journey of discovery through discussion, by asking questions, and to be asked questions in the context of faith.
“But I'm also taking part to have a really good hike. So the pilgrimage to me not only represents the chance to explore my faith and meet some new people in the context of it, but to unplug and go on the walk of a lifetime.”
Patsy Kensit, 57, said: “I’m joining Pilgrimage at a time when I feel the need to slow down and really listen, to myself, to others and to something beyond the noise of everyday life.
“I’ve spent much of my life moving forward but this feels like a rare chance to pause and reflect. I’m not sure what I’ll find along the way but I hope the journey will help me reconnect with what matters most and give me a deeper sense of perspective, gratitude and understanding - both of myself and the world around me.”
Comedian Hasan, 31, said: “For a practising Muslim like me, this show is an incredible opportunity. If, on the Day of Judgement, Allah asks me why I didn't perform the mandatory Islamic Pilgrimage of Hajj, I can now say: ‘sorry, I didn't realise BBC Two's Pilgrimage Series 8 was set in Northumberland."
For North East born presenter Jayne Middlemiss it is a chance to return to her roots.
She said: “I have travelled across the world taking pilgrimage in far flung places and have always wanted to return home and do the pilgrimage of my homeland. To go back and walk in the steps of ancestors and to connect to not only my past but the past of my family. It was an opportunity I wanted to very much embrace.”
Hermione Norris, 58, added: “Living a busy life, embarking on this pilgrimage allows me this rare opportunity to set aside time to walk, to question and to notice. For me, this is an uncommon gift.”
After 12 demanding days, the group finally reach ‘Pilgrims’ Way’, where for more than a thousand years pilgrims have walked across the dramatic and dangerous tidal sands to reach Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island.