Celebs To Visit Whitby Abbey and Runswick Bay in BBC Series

With Easter approaching, a brand-new series of Pilgrimage returns to BBC Two and iPlayer, featuring seven well-known personalities of different faiths and beliefs.

They set off on a spectacular trail across the wild landscapes of North East England to explore the lives of early Celtic Christian saints. 

Across 3 x 60 - minute episodes, this exciting eighth series of Pilgrimage follows our celebrity pilgrims as they weave through the heart of Northumberland on a unique 390 km collection of trails. On the journey, they encounter Whitby Abbey, and two of the most important pilgrimage sites in the North East: the UNESCO site of Durham Cathedral and their final destination, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Travelling on foot and by bus, our celebrities are immersed in profound encounters with nature and the landscapes that helped inspire early Celtic Christianity. From stunning coastlines and remote moorlands to the rolling hills of the Cheviots with its spectacular views, it is an epic journey of deep discovery.

Taking part in this physical and spiritual journey are: 

Practising Christian and leader of the dance troupe Diversity, Ashley Banjo; Spooks and Cold Feet actor Hermione Norris, who believes the divine can be found in all living things; atheist, TV personality Tasha Ghouri; stand-up comedian and observant Muslim, Hasan Al-Habib; radio presenter, Jayne Middlemiss who describes herself as spiritual; comedian, Ashley Blaker, now agnostic, was once a practising Orthodox Jew; and actor and self-proclaimed “a la carte” Catholic, Patsy Kensit.

Beginning their journey on the coast just south of the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey, the pilgrims travel along a curated network of trails celebrating three of England’s most revered 7th century Northern saints - Hild, Oswald and Cuthbert.   

In true Pilgrimage style, the pilgrims carry their own backpacks, and overnight in various locations, from small wooden pods to an off-grid hostel and a basic bunkroom.

Travelling north on the way of St. Hild, the pilgrims take the stunning coastal path to the ammonite beaches of Runswick Bay, before heading inland towards Durham.

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.

Revealing their thoughts on why they wanted to take part in this pilgrimage, the celebrities commented:

Ashley Banjo stated: 

“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 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.”

Daisy Scalchi, BBC's Head of Religion and Ethics for television, says:

“What better way to embrace different perspectives and outlooks than walking with people who can open our hearts and minds to new ways of seeing the world. Pilgrimage is like no other show on TV and I’m so excited to see a new group strap on their walking boots for what will be an inspiring journey through one of England’s most dramatic landscapes”

Caroline Matthews, Executive Producer and CEO, CTVC added:

“With a fantastic new cast, this series delivers a wonderful moment to explore life’s big questions, faith and culture whilst exploring the spectacular landscape of Britain’s North-East. As ever, stripped of their creature comforts, there is strong camaraderie, tears, joy and a fabulous amount of humour to get them through their epic journey!”