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While the Euro-hopping reality competition the travel contest might not have been the summer smash the broadcaster had anticipated, it provided presenter Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey clearly wanted to give off a globetrotting atmosphere, so the show's host got dressed in deluxe tailoring: vibrant matching ensembles, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, he acquired the debonair look complementing his vintage 007 impersonation.

Costume Changes and Country Music

The newest three-part series, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, includes some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian goes full Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade of flannel shirts, sturdy coats and sometimes a cowboy hat. It's all part of a premise where he driving a massive Ford Ranger pickup truck across thousands of miles through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

Brydon has been tasked celebrating the centenary of the genre – or at least the 100th anniversary of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the iconic venue, foundation and star-maker in the industry for generations – via the time-honoured celebrity travelogue tradition of road tripping, gabbing to locals and immersing himself in the culture. This anniversary aligns with country becoming, according to him, “the fastest-growing music style in Britain” – thanks to Taylor Swift and new country-inspired records from Beyoncé, famous singers and others – offers another angle to explore.

Road Trip Experience and Personal Doubts

We know Brydon is up for long drives and a chinwag because of the various incarnations of The Trip with Steve Coogan. But at first he seems unsure if he is truly qualified as a presenter. Observing him speak with an in-car lens evokes beta male memories of Keith, the sad-sack cabby from Brydon's TV breakthrough, a beloved series. Traveling toward Music City, he calls his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones to boost his confidence. She recalls his authentic country bona fides: a past Comic Relief cover of Islands in the Stream topped the charts. (“The original artists reached No 7!” she notes.)

Interview Skills With Local Engagement

While the overwhelming experience of a night out in Nashville proves challenging for Brydon – trying to dance alongside a performer now musician Twinnie sees him giving up during the opening a popular tune – the veteran comedian is much more wobbly legged in the interview segments. His polite interview style seem to gel local etiquette, efficiently extracting anecdotes about legends and reflections about the essence of country music from experienced elders like the institution's mainstay Bill Anderson and 92-year-old tailor-to-the-stars a fashion icon. His calm approach is effective with younger guns, like the scraggly-bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the instrumental virtuoso a talented musician.

Although several the anecdotes feel well worn, the first installment does contain a single unexpected moment. What on earth is the pop star spending time in a cozy recording space? Apparently he has been coming the state to refine his compositions for decades, and points to Glen Campbell as an influence for his band's enduring hit a classic song. Finally, is an interviewee he can tease, mock and wind up without fear about creating any offense. (Barlow, bless him, is very game.)

Broader Implications With Spontaneous Interactions

With an entire century of the genre to contextualise and celebrate, it is understandable that this southern-fried tour across two states (with pit stops in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) aims to concentrate on the art and not necessarily address contemporary issues. But it cannot help includes a little. While guesting on the glossy morning show on the local broadcaster the established creator of the Grand Ole Opry – Brydon jokingly wonders if the US and Canada are still friends, disrupting the polished presenters from their rhythm. The audience doesn't see to see presumably icy aftermath.

A Natural Fit for the Format

Despite his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously a good fit for this sort of lighthearted series: amiable, engaged, modest and prepared to dress the part, even if he struggles locating a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Might his partner worry that his wingman can do the whole travelogue thing alone? Absolutely.